Against ruse

Marina Bassols Ribera: Qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse came up with an inspired performance as she toppled Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets in a women's singles second round match on the Grandstand on Day 3 of the 2024 US Open here on Wednesday.

Riding the momentum gained from her qualifying rounds campaign here, the 26-year-old from Romania, who is ranked 122 in WTA Rankings, handed the eighth-seeded Krejcikova a 6-4, 7-5 defeat to claim one of her biggest scalps in Grand Slams. It was the first major loss for Krejcikova after compiling a streak of eight straight wins-- and the upset of the tournament so far. Krejcikova, one of the WTA Tour’s most consistent players, had won 15 of the past 16 matches against players ranked outside the Top 100.

Krejcikova has been on a high since her Wimbledon triumph. The swirl of obligations resulted in a flood of appearances and interviews back home, thus leaving her with little time and energy. The effect was evident in her 7-6 (3), 6-2 victory over qualifier Marina Bassols Ribera in the first round here. Against Ruse, she had no chance at the level she played.