Karolina Muchova revealed she had “a weird feeling” throughout the match against Jasmine Paolini and also took a moment to reflect on fearing for her career just several months earlier because she wasn’t sure what would happen after “the worst and most serious injury” of her career.
In the US Open round-of-16, the Czech tennis star ousted the fifth-seeded Italian 6-3 6-3 to make back-to-back quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows. Last year, the 28-year-old was playing the tennis of her life – finished as runner-up at the French Open – and also reached the US Open semifinal and a career-high ranking of No. 7 in the world.
But after falling short to Coco Gauff in last year’s semifinal in New York, Muchova went without any action for the next 10 months because the recovery from her wrist injury wasn’t progressing well and she ultimately had to undergo surgery in February. Now two months into her comeback, the Czech is ranked at No. 52 in the world but is back to doing well on the biggest stage.
“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…
