"This was my worst and most serious injury" - Karolina Muchova joyous after overcoming physical issues to reach US Open QF 2nd year in a row
Karolina Muchova reached her second consecutive US Open quarterfinal after defeating Jasmine Paolini. The Czech was sidelined for 10 months following last year's US Open campaign due to what she described as the 'worst' injury. She expressed joy at overcoming the setback.
Muchova took on Paolini in the fourth round of the US Open at the Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday, September 2. The Italian was in the midst of her best season on tour as she has reached the French Open and Wimbledon final. Meanwhile, Muchova was playing just her sixth event of the season after returning from injury in June.
After going 1-3 down in the first set, Muchova took complete control of the proceedings and won it. The 28-year-old continued her dominance to win the second set and the match 6-3, 6-3. During her post-match on-court interview, she was asked if she believed she could overcome her injury from last year to play her best tennis again.
“At that time I didn’t think of what’s gonna happen honestly. This was my worst and most serious injury I would say. I love the sport so in my head I was like.. I will do everything I can to make it back here and try. Here I am today. I’m really grateful for all the people who helped me. I’m a really happy kid now,” Karolina Muchova said.
Muchova reached the semifinals at the New York Major last year before suffering from a wrist injury that ended her season. She underwent surgery in February and returned to the tour at Eastbourne International.
“Honestly, for me the biggest win this year is that I could play again” - Karolina Muchova at US Open 2024
Karolina Muchova defeated Katie Volynets 6-3, 7-5 before ousting Naomi Osaka 6-3, 7-6(5) in the first and second rounds of the US Open, respectively. Following her win over 2018 and 2020 champion Osaka, Muchova expressed gratefulness at being able to play tennis.
“Honestly, for me the biggest win this year is that I could play again,” Muchova told Nick Kyrgios on court after defeating Osaka.
“This is just the cherry on top, to be here again in this stadium,” she added.
In the third round, she got the better of Anastasia Potapova 6-4, 6-2 before defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-3. In the quarterfinal, Muchova will take on either Caroline Wozniacki or Beatriz Haddad Maia.