Taylor Townsend’s dream US Open run came to a heartbreaking end as she failed to convert eight match points against former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova on Sunday.
The American has found herself as arguably the face of the first week after her second-round opponent Jelena Ostapenko confronted her courtside and accused her of having no education and no class.
She used the furore with the Latvian as inspiration to propel her to a shock third-round victory over fifth seed Mirra Andreeva.
With her four-year-old son AJ in the crowd, Townsend looked set to reach a singles Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time but Krejcikova somehow prevailed in a titanic second-set tie-break before clinching a 1-6 7-6 (15-13) 6-3 victory.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The Sky Sports Tennis team react to THAT incredible tie-break between Townsend and Krejcikova
Krejcikova struggled to contain her emotions as she said to the crowd: “What a match. Just four months ago I was off the court, I couldn’t play. I had a huge pain in my back. I didn’t know if I’ll ever be back. Now here I am and this is huge. I still cannot believe that I’m standing here.”
Townsend dominated the opening set and looked poised to win the second as well, with Krejcikova saving her first match point in the 10th game.
It was the tie-break that really saw the 29-year-old pull off her Houdini act, though, Krejcikova saving her best for when it really mattered to fight off seven more match points, recovering from 3-6 before taking her third set point.
The Czech then took an off-court break, leaving Townsend sat on her chair wondering what might have been, and it was Krejcikova who had the momentum in the deciding set.
Townsend, who still has a chance in doubles, left the court in tears with a towel over her face to cheers from the packed stands on Louis Armstrong Stadium who had roared her on.
“To be honest, I’m totally enjoying this crowd. Even though it’s not for me, it’s for the Americans, it’s fine,” Krejcikova said. “I’m looking forward to seeing you again in my next match – I think against another American.”
Krejcikova to face Pegula next
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the round of 16 US Open clash between Jessica Pegula and Ann Li
Fourth seed Jessica Pegula walloped fellow American Ann Li to set up a quarter-final date with Krejcikova on Tuesday.
Last year’s runner-up Pegula did not have the pre-tournament run she wanted, with early exits in Washington, Montreal and Cincinnati, but had not dropped a set in New York and swatted Li aside 6-1 6-2 in the first match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“Probably the best match, honestly, I’ve played since before Wimbledon I feel like from the start to finish. So that was encouraging,” said Pegula, who picked up titles in Charleston, Bad Homburg and Austin earlier this year.
“Doing everything well, executing my strategy very well and got through it pretty quick.”
Sabalenka through to fifth consecutive quarter-final in New York
Aryna Sabalenka continued her title defence in dominant style
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka continued her title defence with a dominant 6-1 6-4 victory over Spain’s Cristina Bucsa.
Sabalenka reeled off five straight games to claim the opening set in just 27 minutes before winning four of the final six games in the second set to seal the victory as she advanced to her fifth consecutive quarter-final in New York.
Watch the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.