Karolina Muchova’s victory has solidified her as the newest Grand Slam singles finalist, marking the fifth consecutive year that a first-timer has reached the women’s final at the French Open.
French Open 2023
Location: Roland Garros, Paris Duration: 28th May to 11th June
Broadcast: Live text commentary and radio coverage of chosen matches on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, as well as the Sport News Center website and app.
The world’s 43rd ranked player, Karolina Muchova from the Czech Republic, has made history by becoming one of the lowest-ranked players to ever reach the French Open women’s final. She secured a nail-biting victory over Belarus’ second-seeded player, Aryna Sabalenka.
Muchova’s triumphant score in Paris was 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (5-7), 7-5.
The 26-year-old Muchova will face either the Polish top seed Iga Swiatek or the Brazilian 14th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia in the final match on Saturday.
Swiatek, who is vying for her third Roland Garros title and currently holds the title, will face Haddad Maia in the second semi-final match on Thursday.
Sabalenka’s departure implies that the 22-year-old Swiatek will maintain her world number one status, which she has held for an impressive 62 weeks straight, provided she defeats Haddad Maia and makes it to the final.
Despite leading 5-2 in the decider, Sabalenka, 25, couldn’t capitalise on a match point in the seventh game.
Expressing her surprise at the victory, Muchova commented, “I don’t really know what happened. It is unbelievable. I kept pushing and it paid off. I’m over the moon.”
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10 comments
Wow, this is huge! Muchova really came outta nowhere to beat Sabalenka… It’s going to be a crazy final, can’t wait!
So sad for Sabalenka, thought this was her year…but great job Muchova, she fought till the end.
Didn’t expect this result, thats tennis for you. Muchova vs Swiatek, that’s gonna be something!
A big upset in Paris, Muchova is a surprise package. Swiatek seems to be still holding up as world No.1…let’s see how it pans out.
Muchova! Talk about an underdog. Sabalenka didn’t see that comin’. Looking forward to the final.
What a match! I feel bad for Sabalenka tho, she had match point n all… Well, good luck to Muchova in the finals.
Wow, French Open 2023 is heating up! Muchova and Swiatek in the final, can’t wait! Sabalenka gave a tough fight but Muchova came out on top. Exciting stuff!
This year’s French Open has been full of surprises. Muchova’s win against Sabalenka is proof that anything can happen in tennis. Can’t wait to see Muchova take on Swiatek in the final!
Sabalenka’s loss was unexpected. She had the match in her hands, but the pressure got to her. Muchova deserves credit for keeping her cool and turning the match around.
Swiatek vs. Muchova in the final! Who would have predicted this? Both players have been impressive throughout the tournament. Can’t wait to see who lifts the trophy at the French Open!