NEW YORK, Sept 6 – Karolina Muchova displayed a masterful performance in her U.S. Open quarterfinal match, overwhelming Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 6-0, 6-3. The victory earned her a spot in the semifinals against American sensation Coco Gauff.
Seeded 10th in the tournament, Muchova showcased her all-around skills by smashing 32 winners and delivering exceptional defensive play to outclass her 33-year-old opponent, Cirstea, at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This achievement marked Muchova’s first-ever semifinal appearance at Flushing Meadows.
“I felt very good actually from the start till the end,” Muchova expressed to reporters. “I had a good feeling with the ball from the baseline, I felt good at the net, slicing, and with my whole game. I really like the court and like the atmosphere, and I was enjoying it.”
The French Open finalist wasted no time, grabbing a quick 3-0 lead in the opening set. She showcased her resilience by fending off nine break points during a marathon game to extend her lead to 4-0. Ultimately, a flustered Cirstea’s backhand error handed Muchova a commanding 5-0 advantage, which she converted into a bagel the following game.
Following an animated discussion with her coach during the set break, Cirstea held her serve to start the second set and broke Muchova for a 2-0 lead when her charge to the net forced Muchova to miss a passing shot. However, the 27-year-old Czech swiftly broke back and secured a 4-3 lead that she would not relinquish, thanks to her effective net play, precise lobs, and pinpoint serving.
Cirstea’s swinging volley miss set up match point, which Muchova capitalized on with a forehand winner to conclude the contest in just over an hour and a half.
Muchova’s ranking had suffered a decline last year due to injury setbacks. Still, she made an impressive resurgence by entering the top 10 for the first time, finishing as the runner-up to Coco Gauff at the Cincinnati Open.
Speaking about her mental resilience, Muchova commented, “Mental strength… I always feel that I’m pretty, I would say, a tough cookie in life as well. That helps with tennis. But yeah, some days are better; some days not. But I always try to keep a clear mind and to be relaxed and enjoy the sport, just the basics.”
In the next round, Muchova is set to face Coco Gauff, who secured her spot in the semifinals with a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over Jelena Ostapenko earlier in the day. Muchova acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “She’s very athletic. She never gives up. Runs for every ball… So very, very good player from all aspects.”
The clash between these two formidable players promises an exciting showdown, with Muchova’s well-rounded skills pitted against the youthful dynamism of Coco Gauff, all under the watchful eye of the home crowd on Friday.
