But there were no such problems for men's top seed Novak Djokovic and eighth-seeded Andy Murray, both former champions in New York, who remained on course for a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown.
Third seeded Kvitova lost the third round tie yesterday 6-4, 6-4 to the pint-sized 21-year-old from Belgrade, who came through qualifying and had never won a match at a major before this year's event.
Kvitova joins second seed Simona Halep, fourth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, Angelique Kerber, the sixth seed, and eighth-seeded Ana Ivanovic in failing to make the fourth round.
"It was an honour to play on the same court as Petra, she's a great champion. I watched both her wins at Wimbledon," said Krunic.
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"I wanted to be myself on court, play as long as possible. I didn't expect to win. I hoped to win a set."
Krunic said she tried not to think about nerves even as a 4-2 lead in the second set was swallowed up by Kvitova who pulled level at 4-4.
"On match point I thought 'Don't serve a double fault.' I just wanted to keep the ball in until she missed," added Krunic who will next face either former world number one Victoria Azarenka of Belarus or Russian Elena Vesnina for a quarter-final berth.
- Djokovic extends run-
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Kvitova said she was taken by surprise by her opponent's poise and power.
"I didn't really expect how she played so well. Suddenly she just pushed the ball very hard," said the Czech.