​Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – September 5, 2026 China’s Qinwen Zheng reacts during her third round match against Madison Keys of the U.S. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jerry Lai | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Steen KirbyQinwen Zheng has learned that the road back to the top can be considerably harder than the journey there.Just two years after winning Olympic Gold in Paris, the Chinese star found herself battling injuries, struggling for consistency, and tumbling down the rankings. Elbow surgery interrupted her progress, months away from competition robbed her of momentum, and a season that began with hopes of reclaiming her place among the elite became a fight to rediscover her best tennis.On Sunday, Zheng finally had a moment worthy of that struggle.The 23-year-old defeated Mirra Andreeva 7-5 6-4 to win the China Open in Beijing, capturing her first WTA 1000 title and becoming the first Chinese woman to win the tournament. Having fallen as low as world No. 121 earlier in the season, she had completed a remarkable turnaround on home soil.This was more than a title. It was proof that Zheng’s ambitions had survived a difficult detour.Qinwen Zheng: From Olympic Glory to Injury SetbacksZheng’s rise appeared unstoppable in 2024. After reaching the Australian Open final, she captured Olympic singles Gold in Paris, becoming the first Chinese player to win an Olympic tennis singles title. She climbed to a career-high No. 4 and finished the season as runner-up at the WTA Finals.Her powerful serve, aggressive groundstrokes and growing confidence had established her as a genuine contender against the world’s best.Then came the setback.Persistent problems with her right elbow disrupted her 2025 campaign. Although she continued to compete, the injury limited her momentum before she underwent surgery in July. Her attempted return at the China Open later that year ended with a retirement, and she remained away from competition until February 2026.The consequences were immediate. Unable to defend the ranking points accumulated during her breakthrough seasons, Zheng slipped down the standings. Results remained inconsistent after her return, and she eventually fell outside the top 100, reaching No. 121.For a player who had recently competed for Grand Slam titles, the fall was stark. But rankings could not tell the full story. Zheng still possessed the weapons that had carried her to the top; she needed time and matches to put everything together again.Mar 20, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Zheng Qinwen (CHN) serves against Lauren Davis (USA) on day three of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThe Long Road BackThe turning point began to emerge at the US Open.Forced to qualify for the main draw, Zheng produced a stirring run, defeating Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek before reaching the quarterfinals, where eventual champion Elena Rybakina ended her campaign.The result offered something more val