Czech Karolina Muchova, ranked 52nd in the world, will play in the semi-finals of the US Open like last year after her victory on Wednesday against Brazilian Beatriz Haddad (ranked 21st) 6-1, 6-4.
“I’m very happy to be in the semis again,” said the 28-year-old with a big smile, having had to end her season after losing in the semis of last year’s US Open to eventual champion Coco Gauff. She had surgery on a wrist injury in February and only returned to competition in June.
On Wednesday, Haddad, totally non-existent at the start of the game, practically gave him the first set.
The Brazilian held her serve a little better in the second set but the Czech, despite stomach pains, managed the break to lead 3-2.
Her ailments clearly handicapped her on her next service game, which she conceded a point to allow Haddad to draw level at 3-3.
Visibly in physical difficulty, Muchova nevertheless immediately took over Haddad’s serve and this time she confirmed the break to lead 5-3.
Haddad then called the doctor on court. She resumed the match, serving with her back to the wall in an attempt to prolong the duel.
She actually held her serve, but Muchova then served for the qualification.
“It was a strange match. I had some physical problems that I prefer not to comment on. I managed to get through them by going back and forth to the toilet. Sorry if it was disturbing, but I had no choice,” commented the Czech.
She must hope that these ailments will not last too long because she must follow up her semi-final on Thursday, against the world number 1, the Polish Iga Swiatek who beat her in the Roland-Garros final last year, or the American Jessica Pegula (6th). They face each other at the start of the night session (not before 7:00 p.m. in New York, GMT-4).
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