Federer, injuries, guitar… 5 things to know about Karolina Muchova, semi-finalist in New York

Coming from a family of footballers

His father Josef Mucha is a former Czech first division footballer who played as a midfielder for Sigma Olomouc and FC Zlin. He is currently assistant coach of FC Slovacko, who finished fifth in the Czech first division two years ago. His brother Filip is also a footballer, a goalkeeper for FK Teplice, who finished 12th in the Czech first division last season.

Roland-Garros finalist in 2023

Although Karolina Muchova only has one WTA singles title to her name, in 2019 in Seoul, she has often shone in Grand Slam tournaments. Beaten last year on the wire by the queen of the Porte d’Auteuil, Iga Swiatek, world number one in the final (6-2, 5-7, 6-4) – she had previously brought down Aryna Sabalenka. Semi-finalist in New York last year, blocked by Coco Gauff, she played in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon twice in 2019 and 2021. She had previously reached the last four of the 2021 Australian Open, dominating world number one Ashley Barty in the quarter-finals, her best victory to date. Trailing 6-1, 2-0, Muchova had overthrown the Australian, seeded number one. Often placed, never (yet) a winner in the big events, she also reached the final of the WTA Masters 1000 in Cincinnati in 2023.

Attacking tennis like Federer

The world number 52 plays like Roger Federer, her idol. “I loved his game, I learned a lot from watching himshe said in 2023 at Roland-Garros. I was inspired by his slices, his volleys. Everything, I loved everything.” She plays a forward-looking, aggressive game and often concludes her points at the net. Which is quite rare in women’s tennis. Very offensive, the Czech is noted for her drop shots and variations, which she has been working on since she was little. “I think it’s always been in me. I’ve always liked competing and varying my game. If you watch videos of my matches when I was young, you can already see me varying my shots at that time.”

Numerous injuries have plagued his career.

She had to end her season last year after her defeat in the last four against the future winner Coco Gauff. Victim of a wrist injury, she underwent surgery in February and did not return to competition until June. A bad habit. Prone to injuries since her junior years, she was weighed down by physical problems, particularly with her abdominal muscles. In 2022, in tears and in a wheelchair, the Czech left the Suzanne-Lenglen court, forced to retire in the third round against Amanda Anisimova after twisting her right ankle. In 2023 at Porte d’Auteuil, she returned to her many injuries that disrupted her career: “I know there were a lot of times when I had gaps, that’s true, because I was going from one injury to another. Last year, when I couldn’t play the Australian Open, I wasn’t in good shape, health-wise. I worked hard to make my comeback because you think : “you never know.” Some doctors told me : “maybe you won’t be able to continue this sport or play sports anymore” but, mentally, I stayed positive and told myself: “Hey, I’m going to work, do all the exercises I need to be able to make my comeback.”

Beyoncé fan and guitarist in his spare time

Before Roland-Garros 2023, she attended a Beyoncé concert with her good friend Karolina Pliskova, former world number one. This is one of the best concerts I have ever been to, and I go often. “, she said. Music lover and musician. Muchova plays the guitar. And while she admits she is not a great musician, it is a very important hobby for her. ” I know how to play some chordss,” she said. With the guitar, if you know, I don’t know, five to seven chords, you can play almost any song. So it’s a pleasure for me..” During the 2020 US Open, which was held under strict Covid restrictions, she composed a song called ” US Open Bubble ” about her life there during the restrictions. She recorded a video in Flushing Meadows and posted it on her account Instagram.

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