Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova suffers shocking US Open elimination

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova’s hopes for a second consecutive Grand Slam title came to a sudden halt at the 2024 US Open, where she was defeated in the second round by Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse. The unexpected loss of Krejcikova, who recently won Wimbledon, has stunned the tennis community and sent ripples across the tournament.

Ruse, ranked 122nd in the world, delivered a performance that few anticipated, securing a 6-4, 7-5 victory over the eighth-seeded Krejcikova. This win marks Ruse’s first advancement to the third round of a Grand Slam, making it one of the tournament’s most significant upsets. Speaking after the match, Ruse expressed her disbelief at her own achievement, describing it as “a dream come true.”

Krejcikova’s preparation and strategy questioned

Krejcikova’s defeat has raised questions about her preparation for the hard-court season. The Czech player, who did not participate in any hard-court tournaments between her Wimbledon victory and the US Open, admitted before the tournament that the demands following her Wimbledon success drained her energy. She also refrained from playing in the Toronto event due to a thigh injury, leaving her without competitive play since February 2024.

The lack of match fitness and preparation seemed evident in her performance against Ruse. Krejcikova had acknowledged that her game might be lacking sharpness, stating that her level of play was uncertain heading into the US Open. Despite a commendable effort, her game was not enough to withstand the determined and confident play of her Romanian opponent.

A historic victory for Ruse

For Ruse, this victory is a milestone in her career, bringing her to the spotlight as a formidable competitor. She credited her support team and the presence of her father, whom she called her “lucky charm,” for helping her through a challenging match. Ruse, who overcame several injuries to get to this point, now looks ahead to her next match against Paula Badosa, seeded 26th, who recently defeated American Taylor Townsend.

Ruse’s triumph also marks a significant achievement in the history of Romanian tennis, echoing the successes of past Romanian stars who have made their mark in Grand Slam tournaments. With her win over Krejcikova, Ruse has announced herself as a potential rising star, ready to challenge the higher-ranked players.

Expert opinion: A tactical misstep for Krejcikova?

According to tennis analysts, Krejcikova’s decision to skip preparatory tournaments before the US Open could have been a tactical error. Experts suggest that her lack of match fitness may have contributed to her early exit. The physical toll and the demands of post-Wimbledon celebrations seem to have affected her performance. While Krejcikova displayed moments of her usual brilliance, her lack of consistency on the hard court ultimately led to her downfall.

This loss also extends the drought of any woman winning both Wimbledon and the US Open in the same year since Serena Williams achieved this feat in 2012. Despite the setback, Krejcikova remains optimistic about her future performances, indicating a determination to regain her form in upcoming tournaments.

Looking ahead: A new contender emerges

As the US Open progresses, the focus shifts to Ruse’s next challenge. Her determination, combined with the momentum from her recent victory, positions her as a player to watch in the tournament. Meanwhile, Krejcikova will need to reassess her strategy and preparation to reclaim her position at the top of women’s tennis.