Karolina Muchova of Czech Republic delivered a stunning performance, showcasing exceptional serve-and-volley skills to oust twice US Open champion Naomi Osaka in the second round on Thursday. Muchova’s victory was a testament to her resilience, having overcome a wrist injury that sidelined her for 10 months last year. She returned to the tour in June and has been steadily regaining her form.
The match saw both players exchange powerful serves early on. However, Muchova seized the momentum by converting a break point in the seventh game, forcing Osaka into a backhand error. The former world number one Osaka lost her serve again in the ninth game, putting Muchova firmly in control.
Muchova continued her dominance, taking the first set 6-3. Despite a strong fightback from Osaka in the second set, Muchova remained composed. Osaka, who missed the US Open last year due to maternity leave, had shown impressive form in her opening-round win against Jelena Ostapenko. However, unforced errors proved costly against Muchova’s consistent play.
Osaka, who had thrilled the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium by defeating Serena Williams in her first Grand Slam win six years ago, appeared to falter in the crucial moments. Her forehand struggled for accuracy, and a series of uncharacteristic errors allowed Muchova to secure the second set 7-6(5).
Muchova, who underwent wrist surgery in February and has had limited match experience this year, demonstrated remarkable sharpness in the tiebreak. She delivered two unreturnable serves, leaving Osaka unable to respond, ultimately sealing her victory.
Muchova’s win sets up an intriguing third-round encounter against unseeded Anastasia Potapova, another rising star on the women’s tennis circuit. This match promises to be another exciting showdown as Muchova continues her impressive run at the US Open.
