Tennis-Krejcikova sheds tears, tames emotions to reach quarters

Jun 7, 2021; Paris, France; Sloane Stephens (USA) in action during her match against Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) on day nine of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

PARIS (Reuters) - Czech Barbora Krejcikova said she was so stressed out before her fourth-round match against Sloane Stephens on Monday that she cried and needed a pep talk from her psychologist to convince her to step onto the court.

The 25-year-old former top-ranked doubles player showed no signs of that anxiety once her contest on the Suzanne Lenglen court began, however, as she swept aside former finalist Sloane Stephens 6-2 6-0.