Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova was defeated in the second round of the U.S. Open by Elena-Gabriela Ruse with a score of 6-4, 7-5. Krejcikova, the No. 8 seed, had won her second Grand Slam singles title earlier in the summer but had not played any matches after the Paris Olympics. Ruse, who qualified for the main draw through the qualifying tournament, showcased superior performance on the U.S. Open’s hard courts, rallying from a 5-3 deficit in the second set to secure victory.
Ruse expressed her excitement in defeating Krejcikova, acknowledging her opponent’s skills and accomplishments in recent years. The 26-year-old Romanian advanced to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time and is set to face No. 26 seed Paula Badosa, who defeated American Taylor Townsend 6-3, 7-5.
Badosa, a Spaniard born in New York, reached the U.S. Open’s third round for the first time, continuing her successful streak from a strong summer performance. No. 14 seed Madison Keys will also compete in the third round against No. 33 Elise Mertens. Keys secured a victory over Maya Joint with a score of 6-4, 6-0, while Mertens defeated Ajla Tomljanovic 6-3, 6-2.
Defending champions, Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic, were scheduled to compete in the evening matches on Wednesday.