Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse knocked out reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova from the US Open 2024. Ruse defeated Krejcikova of the Czech Republic in straight sets 6-4, 7-5 in the tournament’s second round. This victory marks Ruse’s first-ever advancement to the third round of a Grand Slam tournament. Ruse, ranked 122nd in the world, convincingly outperformed eighth-seeded Krejcikova. Throughout the game, the Romanian showed remarkable poise and tactical understanding, taking advantage of Krejcikova’s unusual mistakes.

Due to a thigh ailment, Krejcikova had withdrawn from the Toronto tournament. Before the tournament, she said that her Wimbledon triumph and the following obligations had taken a toll. No woman has won Wimbledon and the US Open titles in the same year since Serena Williams in 2012. Despite expressing confidence from her recent achievements, like as winning the 2021 French Open, the Czech player found it difficult to settle into a rhythm when facing Ruse’s aggressive play on the court.

This victory marks the biggest upset of the tournament thus far. The 26-year-old Romanian will next face 26th-seeded Paula Badosa of Spain, who secured her place in the third round with a straight-set 6-3, 7-5 win over American Taylor Townsend. Badosa continued her resurgence in a strong summer by reaching the third round of the U.S. Open for the first time.

I mean, winning Wimbledon is amazing. It’s a great, great, great result, I’m very proud about it and how I was able to handle everything there, said Krejcikova, who hadn’t played a tournament on hard courts since February. I think I was playing quite well, definitely better than in the first match. I think my game was improving, but it just wasn’t enough, she added.

Oh my God! I have no words at this moment. It’s just a dream for me, Ruse expressed after securing a memorable win. The Romanian credited her team for their unwavering support during her recovery from a series of injuries. I don’t care, to be honest right now. I just want to enjoy, she added.

Meanwhile, defending champion Coco Gauff advanced to the third round with a straight-set 6-4, 6-0 victory over German Tatjana Maria. The No.3 American seed will now face No.27 seed Elina Svitolina in Tomorrow’s (August 30) match to secure a spot in the fourth round. Although Gauff started slowly, the 20-year-old young player managed to clean up in the deciding set, putting up 15 winners and only five unforced errors against Maria’s consistent slicer.