Karolina Muchova overcame her opponent as well as mid-match illness to reach the last
four at the US Open after a straight sets 6-1, 6-4 win over Beatriz Haddad Maia, and will
face the winner of the Iga Swiatek versus Jessica Pegula clash later today.
The Czech 28-year-old put out Jasmine Paolini in the previous round and started brightly by
forcing a breakpoint in the first game but Haddad Maia saved it with an easy backhand
volley into the open court. However, she broke through on her next opportunity and held
serve for 3-0, before again breaking serve with a powerful forehand winner up the line.
Although the Brazilian got on the board by winning her first game, the set was over in 36
minutes when she netted a backhand return.
But it was during the second set that the drama unfolded. Muchova twice left the court in
consecutive changeovers, the second with the physio, before the physio later returned with
a doctor to offer medication. Amongst all of this world number 52 had managed to break
serve but when she was 5-3 up, time it was Haddad Maia instead who called for assistance
from the physio and trainer. She held serve easily before Muchova completed victory a
game later with a beautiful ace down the middle.
Muchova, who lost to eventual champion Coco Gauff in the semis last year, opted not
to reveal much about her physical issues on court: “[It was a] little weird match, I have to say I had a little problem. I wouldn’t like to comment on it if it’s fine, but I manage it with some run to
the bathroom and back. Sorry if it disturbed anyone but I had no other choice!”
When quizzed further about her current condition during her press conference, Muchova confirmed that she is currently dealing with an illness: “I’m fighting bug a little bit. I’m a little sick.”
Muchova follows in the footsteps of the late Jana Novotna by becoming only the second Czech woman to reach a US Open semi-final without dropping a set.
