Muchova topples Osaka in US Open thriller

Returning after wrist surgery, Muchova’s flawless serve-and-volley game halts Osaka’s bid for another US Open title

NEW YORK:

Czech tennis player Karolina Muchova showcased an impressive serve-and-volley game to defeat two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka 6-3, 7-6(5) in the second round on Thursday.

Muchova, who missed 10 months of action last year due to a wrist injury, looked back to her best at Arthur Ashe Stadium and will now face unseeded Russian Anastasia Potapova in the third round. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner from Japan, had a strong opening-round win over 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko, but errors proved costly against Muchova.

Reflecting on her return to form, Muchova said, "Honestly, this year the biggest win for me is that I could play again. I'm really grateful that I'm able to play tennis."

The match began with both players serving strongly, but Muchova broke Osaka's serve in the seventh game, capitalising on a backhand error. She then broke Osaka again in the ninth game to take the first set.

Muchova started the second set confidently, holding her serve easily, while Osaka fought hard to stay in the contest, saving three break points in the next game. Osaka's powerful forehand helped her break Muchova's serve in the ninth game, and she looked poised to level the match when she took a 40-0 lead in the 10th game. However, her form faltered, and she let the opportunity slip, showing visible frustration as her forehand failed her on key points.

Despite limited match practice this year following wrist surgery in February, Muchova looked sharp in the tiebreak, firing unreturnable serves and sealing the win when Osaka sent a shot long on the second match point.