Madison Keys, Amanda Anisim stunned, Mirra Andreeva reach first US Open R16

American hopes took a major hit at the US Open on Saturday when Madison Keys and Amanda Anisim crashed out in the third round, while fifth seed Mirra Andreeva continued her impressive Grand Slam season by reaching the fourth round for the first time in New York.

Keys, seeded 22, appeared firmly in control against China’s Zheng Qinwen after cruising through the opening set. But Zheng, a former world number four and Olympic champion, produced one of the biggest comebacks of the tournament to win 1-6, 7-6(3), 7-5.

The American was five points away from winning the deciding set, leading 5-0 and holding a match point, but Zheng refused to give up. The qualifier made it seven games in a row to complete an extraordinary turnaround. Keys had already survived five match points against Anna Bondar in the previous round, but was unable to produce another escape act.

Anisimova, last year’s US Open runner-up, suffered a more straightforward defeat. The tenth seed was defeated 6-2, 7-5 by Austrian 24th seed Anastasia Potapova. Anisimova struggled for consistency, finishing with 46 unforced errors, while Potapova showed impressive defensive resilience, saving 13 of 16 break points.

ANDREEVA BREAKS NEW GROUND IN NEW YORK

Meanwhile, Andreeva dealt with the pressure of being the top remaining seed in her section with another composed display. The 19-year-old player defeated the Czech teenager Nikola Bartunková 6-2, 7-6(5) and reached the round of 16 of the US Open for the first time.

The reigning French Open champion dominated the opening set with her trademark combination of patience, court coverage and accurate ball striking. Bartunkova made the second set much more competitive, but Andreeva held her nerve in the tiebreak to finish the job in straight sets.

Her campaign began with a 6–2, 6–2 win over Janice Tjen, where she was particularly aggressive, winning 17 consecutive points at one stage. She followed that up with a ruthless 6-0, 6-2 victory over Eva Lys before overcoming Bartunková.

Andreeva’s reward is a meeting in the round of 16 with 24th-seeded Anastasia Potapova, who already counted on Anisimova. Potapova will offer a very different challenge, bringing more strength and confidence after one of the biggest wins of her season.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

06 Sep 2026 01:08 IST