Muchová Reaches U.S. Open Quarterfinals in Remarkable Return from Injury
NEW YORK – Karolína Muchová advanced to the U.S. Open quarterfinals, continuing a compelling comeback story marked by both extraordinary tennis and a challenging injury history. The Czech player’s journey back to form has been characterized by a diverse skillset and unwavering determination.Muchová’s game is often described as “old school,” blending power from the baseline with deft touch at the net. Coach Evgeniy Miske highlighted her versatility, noting she possesses “four or five different variants of slice” and consistently produces remarkable shots in practice, saying, “every practice there’s a shot where you go, ‘Wow.'” Miske has also expressed hope she would develop a Rafael Nadal-esque skyhook overhead.
Her abilities were on full display at the 2023 U.S. Open, particularly in her dominant performance against Jessica Pegula in the second round. muchová led by a set and a break, holding a point for a further advantage, showcasing her aggressive net play before ultimately falling to Pegula after a shift in momentum.
Despite her talent, Muchová’s career has been hampered by injuries, resulting in a relatively modest one WTA title – earned at a lower-level tour event. However, these setbacks haven’t diminished her passion for the sport.
Muchová’s athletic foundation extends beyond tennis, nurtured by a family of footballers and her own participation in a variety of sports including handball, gymnastics, ice hockey, and ice skating. She credits this diverse background with her overall athleticism.Outside of tennis, Muchová pursues creative outlets, playing acoustic guitar and singing, sharing clips of her performances on social media. She also maintains interests in music and fashion, recently participating in photoshoots for the Adidas Y-3 range and previously appearing in Czech Vogue.
Last year, Muchová faced a significant challenge following wrist surgery, spending two months in a cast and initially struggling with basic tasks. During her recovery, she attended concerts and festivals, citing English rock band Nothing But Thieves as a highlight.
Muchová will face Naomi Osaka in the quarterfinals, a player she practiced with prior to the tournament.Osaka acknowledged the favorable timing of the matchup, stating last week, “It’s funny, I was hitting with Muchová the other day and I was like, thank God I don’t have to play you in the first or the second round, and she was laughing about it, too.”
