China Open Semi-finals: Karolina Muchova Stuns Top Seed Aryna Sabalenka to Reach Final
Karolina Muchova, the 49th-ranked Czech tennis player, has caused an upset in the China Open semi-finals by defeating world number two Aryna Sabalenka in a tightly contested three-set match.
Muchova won the first set 7-6 (7/5), coming back from a grueling tiebreaker to claim victory. Sabalenka levelled the match with a convincing 2-6 win in the second set, but Muchova stormed back to take the final set 6-4, securing the match 7-6, 2-6, 6-4 in an electrifying two hours and 46 minutes.
The Czech player will now face either Chinese Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen or 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva for a place in the final. In the other semi-final, last year’s US Open champion Coco Gauff will play former world number two Paula Badosa of Spain in Beijing.
Sabalenka was on a streak of 15 consecutive victories before being stunned by Muchova, having claimed titles in Cincinnati and the US Open. The Belarusian also struggled with Muchova, whom she had previously encountered three times, with two meetings going to a deciding set.
The hard-hitting Sabalenka had struggled with her serve, double-faulting twice to provide Muchova with set opportunities. The Czech player finally converted her second set point to take the tiebreak and level the match. In the deciding set, neither player could hold their serve, but Muchova emerged victorious, seemingly shaking off the effects of her opponent’s superior power towards the end of the match.
Muchova’s latest triumph is a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed, having spent over 10 months sidelined following a wrist surgery in the previous season. Prior to the injury, the Czech player had reached the ninth ranking in the world with notable performances at the French Open and US Open last year.
With her quarter-final victory, Muchova continues to defy the odds, showcasing her grit and perseverance on the tennis courts. As she gears up for her next challenge in the China Open, many fans will be eager to see how she fares in the final against her rival Zheng Qinwen or Mirra Andreeva.
