Wimbledon champion Krejcikova knocked out of US Open by qualifier
Written by I Dig SportsWimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova suffered another early exit from the US Open, losing her second-round match in straight sets to Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Krejcikova became a two-time Grand Slam champion in July by adding the Wimbledon title to her triumph at the 2021 French Open.
The 28-year-old reached the quarter-final on her main-draw debut at the US Open in 2021, but has since failed to get past round two in New York.
Eighth seed Krejcikova saved a set point on her own serve at 5-2 down and broke world number 122 Ruse at the next opportunity, only to then tamely drop her next service game to lose the first set 6-4.
Krejcikova served for the second set at 5-4 but Ruse, who struck the ball confidently throughout, broke the Czech twice in quick succession to complete a 6-4 7-5 win in one hours and 45 minutes.
Victory for Ruse sent the 26-year-old through to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career, at the 10th time of asking, and she sank to the floor in celebration after Krejcikova went long with a backhand on match point.
She will face 26th seed Paula Badosa of Spain in round three, with Badosa a 6-3 7-5 winner over American Taylor Townsend.