Karolina Muchova has secured her spot in the US Open semifinals for the second consecutive year, showcasing her remarkable comeback from wrist surgery. She defeated No. 22 Beatriz Haddad Maia with a convincing 6-1, 6-4 victory on Wednesday.
Muchova's journey to the semifinals has been particularly inspiring, considering her previous setback at the 2023 US Open where she fell to eventual champion Coco Gauff and subsequently endured a lengthy recovery period following a wrist injury sustained during the tournament.
The Czech player made a triumphant return to the court in June, just before Wimbledon, and has now advanced to her fourth career Grand Slam semifinal in a little over two months. Notably, Muchova has maintained an impressive record at the US Open, winning 10 of her last 11 matches at the event after a somewhat challenging start with a 7-5 record in her initial five main draw appearances.
During the match against Haddad Maia, Muchova appeared to be grappling with an undisclosed physical issue in the second set. She was observed grabbing her hip between points and sought assistance from a physiotherapist. Despite the discomfort, Muchova's determination and skill propelled her to victory.
Following her win, Muchova did not provide specific details about the nature of her discomfort when questioned by the media. The emotional intensity of the match was further heightened when Haddad Maia also requested a break after Muchova held serve to take a 5-3 lead in the second set, receiving attention from a trainer.
Looking ahead, Muchova is set to face either top-seeded Iga Swiatek or No. 6 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals scheduled for Thursday. The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter as Muchova continues her quest for US Open glory.
With her unwavering determination and impressive performance, Karolina Muchova has captured the attention of tennis enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying her status as a formidable contender in the prestigious tournament.
