TENNIS US OPEN – Alexandra Krunic, world number 145, upset the third seed and Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova with a double 6-4 reaching the round 4 at her first slam appearance.
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Krunic, who reached the main draw by playing the qualification, managed to neutralize the Czech power with a very smart combination of slices and high balls.
The contrast between the two players could not be more evident with Kvitova relying on big shots, but missing lots as well, and the Serb showing great athleticism, chasing a great deal of balls and forcing her opponent to play always an extra shot.
The two-time Wimbledon champion started by taking a comfortable 2-0 lead, which seemed to prelude a very easy round against a much less experienced opponent, but the fighting spirit and game plan of Krunic slowly started to work and, as the amount of errors from Kvitova increased, she started to believe in her chances more.
The qualifier then took the lead of the set and did not give up until she closed it, causing a great shock for the crowd watch.
Similarly to the first set, Kvitova took a two game lead in the second, to which she made a game point follow for a 3-0 lead, but Krunic found another brave reaction and won the following three games.
Kvitova then found a mild reaction, also thanks to a couple of lucky shots (a netcord and two outer lines), but the Serb managed to stay cool and take one more break lead, this time to go and serve for the match.
Despite the inexperience on big stages, Krunic served extremely well in the last game, making a great show of all her skills, including terrific defence and an extraordinary dropshot. In the end, it was one more error from the Czech to close the match, giving the Serb a day to remember.
