Krunic Cruises to Upset Win Over Kvitova
Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia did not have a very good start to her summer. In the first round of qualifying at Wimbledon, she tamely went down, dropping the final set of her match winning only one game. Yet, nothing was the same as the 21-year old made the eventual main draw Wimbledon champion look tame, eliminating Petra Kvitova from the U.S. Open 6-4, 6-4 Friday at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
In many ways, Krunic did just what she did to American Madison Keys in her second round match, except it was against a far more reputable opponent.
A classic clash of styles, offense against defense, experience versus youth and power, facing finesse turned into a shorter replay of the match against Keys. The undersized Krunic stayed back and made the aggressive Kvitova keep playing, waiting until she could counter-punch and throw the lefty off.
“I tried not to think about the score, and I kept telling myself to leave it on her because everything is up to her still and she's in charge,” said Krunic. “I tried to put the pressure off my shoulders because usually the last couple of years, I'm the one putting the pressure on myself.”
Somewhat shockingly for the world number 145, Krunic won nearly half of the points receiving Kvitova's serve, one which most players can't touch. With 13, she had as many break opportunities as Kvitova's opponents win off of her serve in an entire match. With five of those chances taken, Krunic kept herself ahead throughout the entirety of the match, reaching the Round of 16 after losing in the first round in Flushing Meadows last year in her only previous Grand Slam main draw appearance.
With a guaranteed prize check of at least $187,300, Krunic will have a chance to eclipse her total career earnings with one tournament, collecting $235,605 in her tennis career. With the win, she will next play Victoria Azarenka, a previous Grand Slam champion.
“I wanted to win today, and unfortunately, I didn't,” said Kvitova. “I think she played really unbelievable tennis and she put a lot of balls back … almost all of them. For me, it was very difficult just to play only on the winners. I did mistakes and was really trying everything I could in that moment. I was trying to fight and fighting every point, but it was so difficult. It wasn't really my day.”
One thing is for sure. In a tournament that has been ridden of surprises by players new and old to the game, anything could happen. The New York crowd is never shy about supporting the underdog, something to look for as Krunic continues her quest.
