Barbora Krejcikova produced one of the most thrilling comebacks of the US Open 2025, surviving eight match points to defeat American star Taylor Townsend and book her place in the quarterfinals.
Krejcikova’s brave US Open 2025 escape
On Monday night at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Czech star showed remarkable composure and fearlessness in the face of defeat. After losing the first set 1-6 and being down 4-5, 30-40 in the second set, Krejcikova saved match point after match point with a combination of powerful forehands, backhand winners, and attacking volleys.
The second-set tiebreak became the turning point of the match. In a rollercoaster battle, Townsend held seven match points while Krejcikova had three set points. In the end, Krejcikova converted with a smash to take the set 7-6(15-13), before carrying her momentum into the decider and sealing a 1-6, 7-6(15-13), 6-3 victory.
According to OptaAce, the eight match points saved tied the record for the most in a women’s singles Grand Slam victory over the last three seasons.
Courage over caution
What made the match unforgettable was Krejcikova’s fearless approach under pressure. Of the eight match points, she saved five with outright winners, two by forcing errors, and only one due to a mistake from Townsend. From forehand inside-out winners to a brilliant backhand down the line that clipped the baseline, Krejcikova refused to play safe.
“It was about being brave,” Krejcikova admitted after the match. “I knew if I just pushed the ball back, she would finish the point. So I went for my shots.”
Townsend, visibly emotional after the loss, admitted the loss stung. “She just played free in those moments,” the American said.
US Open 2025 quarterfinals await
With the win, Krejcikova advanced to the US Open quarterfinals, continuing her strong run after winning Wimbledon 2024. Her performance under pressure has already been hailed as one of the most courageous moments of this year’s tournament.
For Townsend, the loss was heartbreaking, but her impressive run reinforced her status as one of the most dangerous players on the WTA Tour.