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via Reuters

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Two days after ousting 18th seed Karolina Muchova, former US Open champion Sloane Stephens crashed out of the 2021 French Open. Stephens suffered a humiliating straight-sets defeat at the hands of Barbora Krejcikova in the fourth round of the clay-court Grand Slam.

The American started the first set on a disastrous note as she lost her opening service game and surrendered a commanding 2-0 lead to her opponent. Serving 3-1 in the first set, Stephens’ hopes of surviving were shattered by Krejcikova as she broke her service game for the second time to inch closer towards claiming the opening set.

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The Czech tennis player continued dominating Stephens from the baseline, winning a whopping 93% first-serve points during the opening set to clinch the set 6-2.

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Krejcikova bagels Sloane Stephens

The second set unraveled similarly, with Stephens losing her opening service game. The 28-year-old’s poor movement, a string of unforced errors, and subpar returns exacerbated her problems as the set progressed.

Staring at a bagel, Stephens summoned up her leftover energy reserves to claw back into the match. However, despite creating a breakpoint opportunity in the sixth game, Stephens failed to convert.

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At her second match point, Krejcikova hit a forehand winner to claim victory and stormed into her career’s maiden Grand Slam singles quarterfinals. The 25-year-old raised her hands in the air to celebrate as she bagel’d Stephens, a huge testament to her menacing performance.

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Up next, Krejcikova would either face teenager, Coco Gauff, or Ons Jabeur for a place in the semifinals of the French Open. Apart from making the singles quarterfinals, Krejcikova has also reached the last-8 stage in the doubles and mixed doubles draw at Roland Garros.

Read More: Serena Williams on Whether Grass Is Her Best Bet Like Roger Federer

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