Karolina Muchova is in the semifinals of the US Open. © APA/afp / TIMOTHY A. CLARY

“Strange game”: Muchova back in the US Open semifinals

At the US Open, Czech Karolina Muchova reached the semifinals. In a “strange match,” she defeated Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia.

September 04, 2024

From: dpa

Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic won a "strange match" despite being injured and reached the semifinals of the US Open for the second time in a row. The unseeded 28-year-old defeated the Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-1, 6-4 and is still undefeated at this Grand Slam tournament in New York.

Both players struggled with problems at times in the quarterfinals. Muchova left the court several times. "I'm a little sick. I hope it didn't bother her or the crowd," said the world number 52, speaking of a "strange match." "I had no choice but to run to the toilet."

Haddad Maia in a difficult position

When the score was 3:5 in the second set from her perspective, Haddad Maia was in tears and buried her face in a towel. She was treated and listened to with a stethoscope. A little later, Muchova prevailed.

Beatriz Haddad Maia failed in the US Open semifinals. © ANSA / JUSTIN LANE

"I feel OK," said Haddad Maia afterwards. The past few days had been emotional. Sometimes there are things on and off the pitch that weigh on you. "But today it was my mistake. I couldn't concentrate," said the 28-year-old about her first game at Arthur Ashe Stadium: "This is different."

Semi-final after nine months of injury

Muchova will now face the winner of the match between world number one Iga Swiatek from Poland and American Jessica Pegula. After her semi-final exit last year, Muchova had to miss more than nine months with a wrist injury and only returned to the tour at the end of June.