Unseeded Karolina Muchova advanced to the quarterfinals of the US Open by defeating fifth seed Jasmine Paolini on Monday.
Muchova, who reached the semifinals in New York in 2023, recovered from a 1-3 deficit in the first set to secure a 6-3, 6-3 victory over the Italian.
Paolini, 28, had a great 2024, reaching the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, but she struggled with her Czech opponent’s serve, with Muchova losing just five points on serve.
“I was a bit nervous from the start and tried to feel the ball with my shots,” said the 28-year-old. “Jasmine Paolini is an incredible player. I’m just happy that it worked out here again.”
Muchova lost in the final of the 2023 French Open to Poland’s Iga Swiatek and reached the semifinals of the US Open three months later, where she lost to eventual winner Coco Gauff.
However, a wrist injury put her out of action for ten months, but she is now back to her best form.
“This was my worst and most serious injury, I would say, but I love the sport,” Muchova added. “I’m really grateful to all the people who helped me and yeah, I’m just a really happy kid now.”
She will next play against either former world number one Caroline Wozniacki or 22nd seed Beatriz Haddad Maia.
Sixth-seeded American Jessica Pegula also reached the last eight when she opened play on the main court with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Russian Diana Shnaider.
Swiatek wants to continue her dominant form
The number one seed will be in action in the evening session at Arthur Ashe Stadium when Iga Swiatek, who is yet to drop a set in the tournament, takes on number 16 seed Liudmila Samsonova at 00:00 (BST).
The Polish world number one has already won five Grand Slam titles at the age of 23 and is aiming for her second success in the USA after winning the 2022 US Open.
