Zheng
Qinwen apparently received racist chants from a fan at the US Open. The 21-year-old player was reportedly a victim of racist abuse in her
victory over Donna Vekic in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.
The Chinese player has 16 wins in her last 17 matches,
including the Olympic Games, where she won the gold medal. The match was marked
by its late finish at 2:15 am, the latest finish for a women's match in US Open
history.
Racist incident at US Open?
The world No. 7 continues her great form in Flushing Meadows
and has reached the quarterfinals of the tournament for the second consecutive
year. Zheng has been one of the most consistent players recently and is
preparing to face world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka on the night of Tuesday,
September 3rd.
Before that, she had to overcome a tough challenge against
Vekic, whom she had already beaten in the Olympic final, winning again this
time 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-2.
However, Zheng found herself embroiled in controversy after
a racial slur was picked up by the court microphones, and the subsequent
footage accumulated over 1.65 million views on the Chinese social network Weibo
before being deleted.
The hashtag “Zheng Qinwen fought back racism” also became
one of the most popular trends among users. Supposedly, the racist chant was
heard when Zheng was trailing 2-0 in the second set, and she looked towards the
stands mouthing “I will beat you.”
The footage appeared to show someone chanting “yellow
banana, yellow” while Zheng was preparing to serve. Additionally, the cameras
captured the reaction of her Spanish coach, Pere Riba.
Nevertheless, the Chinese player did not mention the racist
chants after the match. She will seek to continue advancing in the tournament
tonight against Sabalenka, aiming for her second Grand Slam semifinal and
looking for revenge against the Belarusian, who defeated her in the Australian
Open final earlier this year.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
