Karolina Muchova Faces Iga Swiatek In Paris Final
Roland Garros
June 8, 2023
Karolina Muchova staged a sensational comeback to defeat a shocked Aryna Sabalenka, after all seemed lost.
The Czech underdog was 2-5 down in the decider, but she won the last five games against the odds to book her place in the final.
Few could have predicted it, particularly when Muchova faced match point, and the closing stages seemed a formality for Aryna.
But this hugely likeable star simply refused to give up and hit a brave array of shots to stay in the fight.
Her defiant return and incredible defence were behind this memorable 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (5-7), 7-5 victory.
Sabalenka fell apart when it really mattered – and served double faults when she might still have won.
Muchova said: ‘I don’t really know what happened. The atmosphere, it’s unbelievable. I just kept fighting, pushed on by the crowd, and it worked. I’m so happy.’
Karolina Muchova has won a few new fans for Wimbledon 2023 – where she will be one of the favourites.
She was quarter-finalist at the All England Club in 2019 and 2021, so she will be no stranger to fans at the greatest Grand Slam of them all.
Could she come to London as reigning Roland Garros champion?
You can’t rule her out, although Iga Swiatek starts the French Open final as favourite.
Swiatek didn’t look quite as untouchable in her semi-final against Beatriz Haddad Maia, however.
Indeed the Brazilian had three break points to serve for the second set, was leading 5-3 in the breaker and had set a set point.
That’s when Swiatek suddenly found some extraordinary angles to show her greater big-time experience
Swiatek, twice champion already, said: ‘I’m really happy to have a good result here every year and I’m really excited for Saturday.’
Karolina Muchova against Iga Swiatek would be a sparkling final at Wimbledon 2023 too!
Come and see the biggest and best stars at London’s most glamorous occasion.