MATCH REPORT | 2024 US OPEN: Karolina Muchova reaches back-to-back semi-finals despite late stomach issues

Karolina Muchova started this fortnight at the US Open with a mission. That was to defend her points from 12 months ago and stave off a stark ranking drop down over 150 spots. She has done that.

Muchova is into back-to-back semi-finals easing past Beatriz Haddad Maia in straight sets 6-1, 6-4 in another tactical masterclass from the Czech ace who now faces the winner of Iga Swiatek or Jessica Pegula for a spot in the final.

The former Roland Garros finalist has been one of the feel good stories of the US Open as she has shown why on her day, she is one of the best in the world. Cruel injuries have took some of her best tennis away from her, but she is back with a surgery in between.

Showing true grit to get through as she described the worst period of her career to get back to the point she reached last year before having nearly a year off.

It was a strange contest also as after a rampant first set which saw Muchova move into a 4-0 lead quickly after a close two games, she eased through the opening set only losing two more points on her serve after holding at 3-0. But the second set was an odd one.

Muchova as she explained afterwards couldn't hold it in as she seemingly had a stomach bug which affected her as she kept running to the bathroom during the match. While Haddad Maia seemed to be struggling with injury with a tearful medical timeout that looked to potentially curtail the match even before the end.

But Muchova got over the line eventually and is now through to a tie against either the expected World Number One or in fact Pegula who would reach her first Grand Slam semi-final as a result. Anything is possible this fortnight for Muchova and she could yet go all the way.