Muchova reaches back-to-back US Open semi-finals, beats Haddad Maia in dramatic second set

Karolina Muchova survived physical issues on Wednesday afternoon to dominate Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-1, 6-4 and book her spot in a second consecutive US Open semi-final. The Czech produced incredible fire power off both wings, and avoided the Brazilian’s preferred longer rallies to get the victory and move into the last four.

Muchova looked far more comfortable on Arthur Ashe, having been in a US Open quarter-final 12 months ago, and producing the same result – much to her delight. In her five matches, the Czech has not dropped a set, despite being tested.

DOMINANT FIRST SET

From the very first point, it was clear that most of the New York crowd was in support of the Brazilian, providing a confidence booster to Haddad Maia who immediately produced two break points in the opening game.

However, Muchova fought back, saving both break points and holding in the first game, before breaking her opponent on her own fifth break point for a 2-0 lead.

The Czech would not face another break point, holding easily for 3-0, and breaking Haddad Maia again for a double break- marking four games in a row.

Both would hold easily from there, with Muchova serving out a very straightforward set, 6-1.

Second set physical issues from both

The Czech continued the great form in the second set, unable to take a break point in the opening game, but, dictating play with both her groundstrokes and broke for 3-2 with a sensational backhand down the line.

However, throughout the first five games of the second set, Muchova complained to the umpire about needing to go off court for some sort of treatment, and asked for a clarification on the rule of a mid-set break. After going off-court following the quick first set, the No 52 did so again after the break, with the tournament’s doctor following closely behind. Whatever the specific issue was, the Czech seemed to be impacted in her level of play, with multiple unusual unforced errors and handing back the break to Haddad Maia who was making Muchova play as many shots as possible.

The Brazllian, perhaps disturbed by what was happening on the other side of the net, failed to capitalise, and was broken for the consecutive time at 3-3.

Once again, Muchova took some medication from the doctor who arrived swiftly on court during the changeover, before the No 52 took control of her next service game with thunderous forehands to consolidate and lead 5-3.

And, if that wasn’t enough drama, before serving to stay in the match, Haddad Maia seemed to signal that something was not all well to her coaching box, bursting into tears, and sitting down herself. For the third time, the tournament doctor arrived on court and checked the Brazilian’s breathing, with the quarter-finalist saying that she felt as if she was going to be sick.

Once she collected herself, Haddad Maia fired down two winners – off both wings – and held-to-love to force Muchova to serve the match out, asking the crucial question.

Muchova, in typical fashion, answered that question emphatically, holding her final service game to take the second set – and the match – 6-4.

Third time lucky?

After the victory, Muchova was asked about what was happening physically in the second set:

“I would like to not comment on that if that is fine, but I am happy that I managed to run to the bathroom and back. Sorry if it disturbed anyone, but I had no other choice.”

The Czech also explained about how having new balls in the final game helped her serve out the match:

“It helped a lot, the new balls go faster, you can put more spin, so when I heard it was new balls I was very happy. I was trying to put the first serve in as I knew it would create problems, so it was nice in the last game.”

Asked about her possible next opponents:

“I’m very happy to be in the semi-finals, wouldn’t have said that before the tournament, let the better player win. Every round is tough and I’m sure it’s going to be a tough and exciting match.”

Karolina Muchova has previously reached two Grand Slam semi-finals, at the 2021 Australian Open and last year’s US Open.

12 months ago, she lost out to eventual champion Coco Gauff (6-4, 7-5), and this year will not be any easier. The Czech will face the winner of the match between No 1 Iga Swiatek – who just won Cincinnati – and Jessica Pegula – who defended her WTA 1000 title in Canada one month ago.

Against either, she will be the underdog, however, Muchova has produced multiple – seemingly impossible – shots during the tournament, so, perhaps, she can pull off yet one more magic act, and make it third time lucky at the majors.