Last year, Karolina Muchova already opened up on the secrets behind the huge amount of Czech talent on the WTA Tour, with the country producing multiple champions. This year around the athlete seems ready to go deep into the US Open 2024.
In a packed stadium, Muchova was able to beat Naomi Osaka in 2 sets. She did so splendidly, overcoming the enthusiastic cheers of fans eager to see the Japanese Grand Slam winner claim victory.
Although Osaka fought valiantly, the Czech player consistently demonstrated her tactical versatility and exceptional serve-and-volley game throughout both sets. In the end, Muchova entered the tiebreak of the second set brimming with confidence. Having already won all five tiebreaks she played in 2024, she added a sixth with a brilliant passing shot that earned her match points. Moments later, she was interviewed by Nick Kyrgios, who was still in awe of what he had just witnessed. She told him she had learned from watching Federer, and even players like him. A beautiful end added to a brilliant evening for her.
Muchova admitted back in 2023 that she wasn't entirely sure about the origins of such a deep field of WTA players from Czechia, but said one of the reasons was probably good coaches.
"Yeah, I don't know. Still the same answer from me. I mean, I think great coaches," she said.
She then added that another reason could be younger players looking up to their older compatriots and wanting to emulate their success.
"The fact that it's so many of us there, the young girls looking up to us. When I was younger, I was looking up to them. You see that you can, that they are there. Why I cannot make it if they are there?
If we have a practice, you can see, okay, it's not like something special, and you have that belief. Maybe that. I don't know. With me, I can talk for myself. Yeah, it's great, though. It's unbelievable, yeah," she continued.
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.