Karolina Muchova says narrowingly missing out on her first Grand Slam title at the French Open has enhanced her motivation for the future.
The 26-year-old was just two games away from winning the trophy at Roland Garros but ended up losing 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, to a resilient Iga Swiatek in what was a topsy-turvey showdown. Muchova battled back from a 0-3 deficit in the second set to revive her chances. Then in the decider, she had a break advantage on two occasions but was unable to hold both of them.
“The feeling is a little bitter because I felt it was a very close match,” she said during her press conference. “But overall, to call myself a Grand Slam finalist, it’s an amazing achievement and a big motivation for me to work in the future and to get a chance again to play for these big titles.”
Muchova’s mixed feeling about her latest match comes at the end of what has been a dream run in Paris. Coming into the tournament unseeded, she began her campaign by knocking out eighth seed Maria Sakkari for the second year in a row. She then scored wins over former semi-finalist Nadia Podorska, 2021 runner-up Anastasia Pavlychenkova and world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka who she beat by coming back from 2-5 in the final set.
Taking on the formidable Swiatek on Saturday, Muchova reject any suggestion that her play early on in the final was related to nerves. Despite being a former Australian Open semi-finalist and two-time Wimbledon quarter-finalist, it was the first time she had played in a major final.
“I didn’t feel that nervous. I tried to be focused,” she explained. “I knew I was playing for the big thing but I didn’t kind of let it get to myself. I just tried to play as I always do, as if I would play the first round or the final.”
In one way the heartbreaking loss could be a blessing in disguise for the Czech who illustrated the ability to go toe-to-toe with the world No.1. Her style of play is a combination of old school but with her unique style added into it. Former world No.1 Mats Wilander said on the day of the French Open final that he believes Muchova ‘could be the most complete women’s player currently on the Tour’ whilst commentating for Eurosport.
“To play against her (Swiatek), you have to be ready. The balls are coming fast. She’s not making any easy mistakes and you always know that if you have a chance and you have to take it because maybe there will not be another chance. That’s why she’s World No. 1 and you have to bring your best performance to be able to beat her.”
Muchova
Given her unexpected success on the clay, more will be taking note of Muchova heading into Wimbledon which is played on a surface that ‘she likes more.’ She has made three main draw appearances at Wimbledon so far in her career, reaching the last eight twice before losing in the first round last year to Simona Halep.
“I look forward to playing on the grass, on the faster surfaces. These are for sure the surfaces I prefer and I like more.” She said.
“This was my last clay tournament. It could have ended a little bit better, but it was still pretty great. I look forward to playing now on the grass.”
Muchova started the French Open ranked No.43 in the world but will now rise to a career-high of 16th on Monday.
