Playing the second Grand Slam semifinal in her career, Czech world No.43 Karolina Muchova upset reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and advanced to the championship match at Roland Garros, 7-6(5) 6-7(5) 7-5.
The opening set, lasting an intense 72 minutes, was a gripping display of skill and determination. Both players held serve, keeping the tension high until the score reached 4-4. At this critical juncture, Muchova seized an opportunity and secured the first break of the set. Adding to the drama, the Adidas-clad player even held a set point on her own serve, only to falter under pressure.
It seemed like Sabalenka would capitalize on Muchova’s disappointment, but the set pushed forward into an exhilarating tiebreak. Despite Sabalenka’s valiant effort to recover from a 0-3 deficit and level the score at 4-4, it was Muchova who proved resilient. In a pivotal moment, she earned her second set point and seized the opportunity, ultimately claiming a crucial one-set lead against the Belarusian.
In the second set, the unseeded Muchova made a strong statement, securing an early 2-0 advantage. However, Sabalenka swiftly retaliated, breaking Muchova’s serve and then managing another break to take a commanding 4-3 lead. Just when it seemed like the momentum was…
