Krejcikova survives all-time epic, outlasts Townsend in unforgettable US Open battle
Barbora Krejcikova defeated Taylor Townsend 1-6, 7-6(13), 6-4, winning an epic three-hour, four-minute marathon in the Round of 16 at the US Open on Sunday.
Barbora Krejcikova, US Open 2025 | © Zuma / PsNewz
Barbora Krejcikova ended a three-hour, four-minute marathon on Sunday by defeating a valiant Taylor Townsend 1-6, 7-6(13), 6-4, winning a Round of 16 US Open match that will be remembered for its astonishing shifts in momentum and a second-set tie-break for the ages.
The Czech, a two-time Grand Slam singles champion now ranked No. 62, was pushed to the absolute limit by the resurgent American, ranked Nà. 139, who was riding a wave of crowd support and momentum after a stunning run to the fourth round, which included a win over world No. 5 Mirra Andreeva. Townsend, the world No. 1 in doubles, was bidding to reach her first major singles quarter-final in her 31st attempt, a narrative that had captivated Flushing Meadows, where she was previously playing the fourth round in 2019.
In a brief on-court interview after the match, Krejcikova had difficulty finding words. “What a match, what a match”, she said before reflecting on her massive back injury four months ago. The Czech acknowledged the quality of her opponent and the drama of the tie-break. “It was one of the craziest matches I’ve ever played,” she said. “I knew I just had to keep fighting for every single point, because you never know what will happen. Taylor played unbelievably today, and she had the crowd with her. I just feel so relieved.”
6-1, 3-1…
The incredible match saw Taylor Townsend seize a commanding lead, winning the first set 6-1 and holding a 3-1 lead in the second set with a point to go up 4-1. The American then held her first match point on the Czech’s serve at 5-4 in the second set, followed by an astonishing seven more match points, three consecutive at 6-3, in a 20-minute tie-break that she lost 15-13. Krejcikova secured the victory on her fifth match point with a serve-and-volley that ended with a missed lob from Townsend. Townsend left the court in tears. Could she react another wat after such a roller coaster ?
Townsend, a left-handed all-court player known for her daring serve-and-volley style, came out firing. She seemed unstoppable in the opening set, overpowering Krejcikova with a display of aggressive baseline hitting and confident forays to the net. The American quickly raced to a 6-1, 3-1 lead.
But Krejcikova, a former world No. 2 with major titles at Roland-Garros 2021 and Wimbledon 2024, is a player of immense mental fortitude. She weathered the storm, clawing her way back into the set and leadong the match top this 30 points tie-break, a dramatic swing in the match’s trajectory.
Emotional Townsend
The tie-break featured incredible rallies, daring winners, and a rollercoaster of emotions. Townsend held a total of seven match points, including three consecutive ones at one stage, each time denied by the steely resolve of the Czech. Krejcikova, for her part, had three set points of her own, but neither player could close it out. Finally, at 13-13, a forehand from Krejcikova found the sideline, and she held on to win the tie-break 15-13. The second set alone lasted an incredible one hour and 20 minutes.
The emotional toll was visible in the deciding set. Townsend, physically and emotionally drained, fought hard but could not recapture the magic of the first two sets. Krejcikova, using her experience and tactical game, steadily broke down the American. She finally secured the decisive break and held on to serve for the match at 5-4 and convert her second match point of the set.
Krejcikova now sets her sights on a quarterfinal clash against American Jessica Pegula. The No. 3 seed, Pegula has been in commanding form throughout the tournament, and their upcoming match promises to be another test of Krejcikova’s resilience and skill.
