Pain-free Muchova “grateful” to have a chance to play again
The Czech was out for nine months after last year’s US Open due to a wrist injury which eventually required surgery
Karolina Muchova, US Open 2024
Image Credit: Chryslene Caillaud / Panoramic
Last year this time, Karolina Muchova had reached the semi-finals of the US Open, just a few months after reaching her first Grand Slam final at Roland-Garros. The versatile Czech was ranked a career-high No 8 in the world. But a wrist injury sidelined her for the rest of the 2023 season and she eventually had to undergo surgery in January this year.
After returning to the tour only in June in time for the grass season, Muchova is playing only her fifth tour event of the year at the ongoing US Open, where on Thursday she knocked out two-time former champion Naomi Osaka in straight sets to reach the third round.
Speaking to the media, Muchova revealed she feels a deep sense of gratitude for being pain-free and being able to play tennis at the big stages once again.
“It’s a long journey. It’s a year. I’m for sure in a different position than I was last year. It’s tough to — I don’t even want to compare myself to last year honestly, but it was kind of bumpy road,” Muchova said. “I had the surgery, and I didn’t know if I will play or not. I’m just really grateful honestly that I’m here, that I can play, that I’m pain-free, and that I have a chance to play these matches.”
“I was just trying to be kind of locked in myself and focused out there” – Muchova
Playing on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the evening session, Muchova displayed some of the trademark variety in her game that has made her one of the most fun players to watch in the women’s game. Against Osaka, there was net-rushing, slicing, drop shots and some incredible volleys that amazed even Nick Kyrgios, who interviewed Muchova on court after the match. The Czech also stayed laser-focussed and locked in during the 6-3, 7-6 win which moves her into the round of 32.
“(It was a) tough match. Really happy that I was able to finish in two sets. Really tough battle. Really nice atmosphere. I didn’t play these matches for a bit, so I’m just really happy with the win today. I was just really trying to be focused. I know she’s amazing player and that I have to bring the A-game to have a chance. So I was just trying to be really focused on myself,” she added. “I knew I have to serve good because her serve is really good. So I was just trying to be kind of locked in myself and focused out there. Then the energy and the big court and all that, it for sure helps me. I like that.”
Muchova will next face Russia’s Anastasia Potapova for a spot in the last 16. The Czech has won two of their three encounters so far on the tour and will be hoping that another win will put her into the second week of the US Open for the third time in her career.
