New York , US,September 4, 2025
In one of the most agonizing and dramatic matches in recent Grand Slam history, Taylor Townsend’s inspired US Open run came to a crushing close as she failed to convert a staggering eight match points in a loss to Barbora Krejcikova. The heartbreaking loss, which took place in the fourth round on Louis Armstrong Stadium, left the American player in tears and sent shockwaves through the tennis world, a testament to the brutal highs and lows of the sport.
The match, which lasted over three hours, was a true rollercoaster of emotions. Townsend, a fan favorite whose aggressive style and fiery spirit had endeared her to the boisterous New York crowd, came out of the gate with an electrifying performance, dominating the first set 6-1 in just 28 minutes. With her powerful forehand and relentless forays to the net, she seemed poised for a swift and stunning victory.
The momentum, however, shifted dramatically in the second set. As the match stretched on, two-time Grand Slam champion Krejcikova began to find her rhythm, forcing a tie-break. This is where the true drama of the match unfolded. For nearly 25 minutes, with the crowd on the edge of their seats, the two players battled in a legendary tie-break. Townsend, who held a commanding lead at 6-3, had the first of her seven match points in the tie-break but failed to convert. Krejcikova, showing incredible mental fortitude, saved point after point, often with spectacular winners and defiant defense, pushing the American to the brink and back again. The tie-break eventually ended 15-13 in favor of the Czech, leveling the match at one set all.
The third set, while not as dramatic as the tie-break, saw Krejcikova seize the momentum she had so painstakingly earned. She broke Townsend’s serve twice, taking a decisive lead that she would not relinquish. Townsend, visibly shaken but determined, fought back, saving one match point of her own, but it was not enough. Krejcikova finally closed out the match with a score of 1-6, 7-6 (15-13), 6-3, advancing to the quarterfinals and ending Townsend’s dream run.
Following the final point, a distraught Townsend sat in her chair, covering her face with a towel as tears flowed. She left the court to a standing ovation, a powerful tribute from a crowd that had witnessed a truly epic battle. In her post-match press conference, Townsend expressed the raw pain of the loss. “It just stings,” she said. “I literally gave everything. She came up with some really, really great tennis in moments where she was down, and I thought I had it.” Despite the heartbreak, she remained optimistic, viewing the tournament as a catalyst for her future career.
For tennis fans, the match will be remembered not only for the sheer number of match points saved but for the immense psychological pressure and physical endurance displayed by both athletes. It was a stark reminder that in tennis, a win is never guaranteed until the final point is won.
Headline Points
* Heartbreaking Loss: Taylor Townsend was defeated by Barbora Krejcikova in the fourth round of the US Open after failing to convert eight match points.
* Marathon Tie-Break: Seven of Townsend’s match points were in a dramatic 25-minute second-set tie-break, which she ultimately lost 15-13.
* Dramatic Comeback: Krejcikova showed incredible resilience, saving match point after match point to ultimately win the match in three sets: 1-6, 7-6 (15-13), 6-3.
* Emotional Ending: Townsend was visibly emotional after the loss, leaving the court in tears to a standing ovation from the New York crowd.
* Promising Future: Despite the defeat, Townsend viewed her performance as a stepping stone, saying she’s “exactly where I need to be” in her career.
