BEIJING – Karolina Muchova delivered a stunning performance on Friday, ending world number two Aryna Sabalenka’s 15-match winning streak to secure her spot in the China Open semi-finals. The unseeded Czech player triumphed 7-6 (7-5), 2-6, 6-4 in a thrilling match, setting up a clash with Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, who also overcame a tough opponent in her quarter-final.
Muchova’s victory over the top-seeded Sabalenka marked her third consecutive win over the Belarusian, with all three encounters going to a deciding third set. Despite Sabalenka’s power and dominance throughout most of the match, Muchova displayed resilience and mental toughness, turning the tide after being down 4-2 in the final set.
The match was a roller-coaster, with both players exchanging control several times. Sabalenka, fresh off titles in Cincinnati and her first US Open victory, seemed on course to extend her winning streak when she led in the deciding set. However, Muchova, ranked 49th in the world, found her rhythm when it mattered most.
“It was a really high-level match, and she played some unbelievable tennis,” Sabalenka said after the match, acknowledging Muchova’s grit. She also noted the challenging conditions in Beijing, saying, “The conditions here are so tough, it can go one way or the other. There was a couple of great returns from her, and she got the momentum and started playing more aggressively.”
Sabalenka had a chance to take the first set when she reached set point at 5-4 on Muchova’s serve. However, she squandered the opportunity with an unforced error, sending a forehand wide on Muchova’s second serve. The Czech player capitalized on her chances in the tiebreak, clinching the first set after an intense rally.
The second set saw Sabalenka regain control, breaking Muchova’s serve twice to level the match. It seemed like the top seed had found her stride, comfortably winning the set 6-2.
In the final set, both players struggled to hold serve as the pressure mounted. Sabalenka’s powerful game looked set to push her through, but Muchova dug deep, raising her level of play in the closing stages. The Czech ultimately sealed the victory in two hours and 46 minutes, advancing to her first semi-final of the season.
Muchova’s journey back to top form has been remarkable. This time last year, she was ranked ninth in the world, having reached the final of the French Open and the semi-finals at the US Open. However, a wrist injury forced her to undergo surgery after the 2023 US Open, and she did not return to the tour for nearly 10 months. Her run in Beijing marks a significant milestone in her comeback.
In the other quarter-final, China’s home favorite Zheng Qinwen overcame a slow start and a determined Mirra Andreeva to win 5-7, 6-0, 6-4 in a match filled with drama and emotion. The 17-year-old Russian had tears in her eyes during the deciding set as the pressure mounted, and she even required a medical timeout at 3-2 in the third.
Despite her struggles, Andreeva fought valiantly, but Zheng, ranked seventh in the world, found another gear. The Chinese star won four consecutive games to seal the victory, much to the delight of the packed crowd at the 15,000-capacity Diamond Court.
“I told myself: I am not going to win today by my tennis. I am going to win by my mentality,” said Zheng after the match. She admitted she was only playing at “20-30 percent” of her usual level but managed to prevail thanks to her mental toughness.
Zheng’s triumph marks her first semi-final appearance in Beijing, and she will face Muchova for a place in the final. The Chinese star, who won gold at the Paris Olympics, is playing her first tournament back home since that triumph, making her run even more special.
As the China Open reaches its climax, the other semi-final will feature US Open champion Coco Gauff against Spain’s Paula Badosa, who was once ranked world number two. Both matches promise to provide more excitement and drama as the tournament progresses toward its final stages.
With Muchova and Zheng showcasing incredible resilience and mental fortitude, tennis fans can expect a thrilling showdown in their upcoming semi-final clash.
