Karolina Muchova, the unranked Czech player, has made it to the semi-finals of the New York tournament for the second year running. This comes hardly half a year after her return to play in June, following a wrist injury at the 2023 US Open which led to surgical intervention in February. Despite battling with hip pain, Muchova overcame 22nd seeded Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia on Wednesday, with the match lasting 85 minutes.
Muchova splashed onto the scene taking a swift 4-0 lead with a double-break, and easily claimed victory in the introductory set after Haddad Maia was able to score. Despite an improved performance from Haddad Maia in set two, Muchova – plagued by hip pain – nabbed a backhand to lead 3-2 then took a break with the physio.
The next couple games saw Muchova and Haddad Maia trading breaks. After consulting with the physio and doctor, Muchova held on for a 5-3, and finally secured her win with an ace on her first match point.
Surprisingly, Muchova has maintained an unbeaten run at this final Grand Slam of the year and is set to battle either top-ranking Iga Swiatek or sixth-ranking American, Jessica Pegula, for a place in the finals.