Karolina Muchova outclasses Beatriz Haddad Maia to reach US Open semi-finals

Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic, aged 28, achieved a significant victory on Wednesday by defeating Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia, also 28, with a score of 6-1, 6-4.

This match marked Muchova's sixth tournament since her return from a wrist injury sustained at the 2023 US Open, allowing her to advance to the semi-finals in New York for the second consecutive year.

Having resumed competition in June, Muchova required medical assistance several times during the second set but managed to secure the win against the Brazilian 22nd seed in a duration of 85 minutes.

"It was a somewhat unusual match, I must admit," Muchova remarked during her on-court interview following her advancement to her fourth Grand Slam semi-final.

"I encountered some minor issues, but I prefer not to elaborate on them. Nevertheless, I am pleased that I was able to manage the situation, including quick trips to the restroom. I apologize if it caused any disruption, but I had no alternative."

Muchova commenced the match with remarkable intensity, establishing a 4-0 lead with a double break, and after Haddad Maia finally scored, she concluded the first set by holding serve.

Although Haddad Maia showed improvement in the second set, Muchova, who intermittently grasped her hip between points, executed a backhand winner to break for a 3-2 advantage before temporarily leaving the court with the physiotherapist.

The players traded breaks in the subsequent games, but Muchova, after receiving attention from the physiotherapist and doctor at her chair, held serve to reach 5-3. She then capitalized on the new balls, sealing her victory with an ace on her first match point.

"The new balls tend to play faster, allowing for more spin. When I realized it was new balls in the final game, I felt quite pleased," stated Muchova, currently ranked 52nd in the world, as she improved her record to 4-0 against Haddad Maia.

My focus was on successfully executing my initial serves. I recognized that this could lead to complications, so it was gratifying to achieve this in the final game.

Haddad Maia, the first Brazilian woman to reach the US Open quarter-finals since Maria Bueno in 1968, also needed medical assistance towards the end of the match as she seemed to be experiencing breathing difficulties.

Muchova, who has not lost a set in this year's final Grand Slam, will next compete against either top seed Iga Swiatek or American sixth seed Jessica Pegula for a chance to advance to the final.