Zheng defeats Vekic in US Open's latest finish for women's match

Zheng Qinwen defeated Croatian Donna Vekic 7-6(2) 4-6 6-2 in a rematch of their Paris Olympics title match to advance to the U.S. Open quarterfinals, after the two battled back and forth in the tournament's latest women's match conclusion.

The late-night battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium concluded at 2.15 a.m. on Monday, breaking the previous record for a women's match at the year's final Grand Slam by two minutes.

"It's always nice to play in the night session because I'm used to it ... It's the first time I've played here in New York at two in the morning. It's unbelievable," said Zheng.

"Thanks to the fans that aren't sleeping tonight, supporting me here."

Zheng of China is attempting to become the fourth woman in history to win both Olympic gold and the US Open in the same year, behind Serena Williams (2012), Venus Williams (2000), and Steffi Graf (1988). She will face second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka next.

The 21-year-old, who lost to Sabalenka in the Australian Open final, won an edgy first set against 24th seed Vekic in an hour after stepping up her game in the tiebreaker.

Vekic remained undeterred and answered with the first break of the match early in the second set, but she dropped serve quickly as Zheng put pressure on her 28-year-old opponent with heavy shots from both flanks.

Zheng's service game faltered briefly when Vekic broke in the tenth game with a backhand winner to tie the match, but the Chinese player surged ahead in the final set and held her cool to seal the victory.

"She's really tough to play on hard courts, she put a lot of pressure on me," added Zheng, who beat Vekic in straight sets in the Olympic final.

"At Roland Garros I was in control. But today she hit really aggressive. It was tough for me to play against her ... It was a really nice victory for me."

SportsLigue