MATCH REPORT | 2024 US Open: Muchova continues epic run with win against Paolini and reaches quarterfinals

Karolina Muchova, who was faced with the task of either reaching the semifinals or falling down the rankings in this tournament, played truly epic tennis throughout the tournament and is in the quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open.

Muchova, who has already defeated Katie Volynets, Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Potapova in these two weeks, can add Jasmine Paolini to that list, who has ended her Grand Slam final appearance. It was a masterpiece from Muchova, who prevailed 6-3, 6-3. Now she will face Caroline Wozniacki or Beatriz Haddad Maia in the semifinals, where Iga Swiatek could be waiting.

Swiatek will face Liudmila Samsonova tonight, while Diana Shnaider will face Jessica Pegula shortly. Both are in the top group of the draw and any kind of shock could open the door for Muchova, who has been one of the stories of the tournament so far.

Having spent most of the last year injured on the bench since reaching the semifinals at Flushing Meadows, she has often been lauded as a player with top talent who just can’t stay fit or, as most say, is made of glass.

But against Paolini, she pulled off a tactical masterpiece in just over an hour. Her first serve was almost untouchable, she kept targeting Paolini’s forehand to create and finish points, and made the Italian do what she doesn’t like, press.

Paolini never found her rhythm and after throwing away a 3-1 lead in the first set, Muchova turned the tables and leveled at 3-3 before taking the lead and never looking back from there.

Muchova and Paolini dueled at the start of the second set, with both serving through. But the decisive point came at 3-3 when Muchova served through and broke Paolini. She kept the ship in balance with a confident service game before breaking again and winning the match. A truly special performance from Muchova.

Paolini leaves New York having reached the last two Grand Slam finals and having had the year of her life. She will be number four in the world at the end of the tournament and is close to third-ranked Elena Rybakina heading into the second half of the year. While Muchova is one win away from defending her points, that is quite outstanding.

= Data service=”Twitter”>

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