Naomi Osaka’s US Open campaign came to an end after she failed to back up her impressive opening round win, with Karolina Muchova smartly outplaying the two-time champion.
It has felt like a slightly unusual running theme for Naomi Osaka as a bruising consistent first round win comes undone in the next round.
Despite Karolina Muchova’s objective brilliance, Osaka’s trend of beating top players before losing to ones ranked lower has happened twice this month.
In Toronto, Osaka thrashed Ons Jabeur, before Elise Mertens breezed past the former world number one with no trouble whatsoever.
This time in New York has turned out similar with Osaka ruthlessly dispatching tenth seed Jelena Ostapeko before Muchova got the better of her.
Nick Kyrgios praises talented Karolina Muchova after she defeats Naomi Osaka
With Nick Kyrgios’ US Open punditry attracting celebrity attention, the Australian has been frequently spotted commentating court-side as well as conducting post-match interviews.
After this box office second round match-up, Kyrgios was full or praise for both Osaka and Muchova, having spoken to the latter on-court.
He posted on X after the match: “Extremely high level tonight… wow. Naomi had chances and plenty of positives, but wow Muchova has some talent. Very enjoyable to call court-side.”
Having undergone invasive wrist surgery, Muchova, a former US Open semi-finalist, said: “Honestly this year the biggest win for me is that I could play again. I’m really grateful I’m able to play tennis and that I made it here. This is just the cherry on top to be here in this stadium. It’s crazy.”
With Kyrgios and Osaka having played a US Open doubles exhibition prior to the start of the tournament, it is a shame to see the four-time champion unable to consistently reproduce her form of old in wholly competitive settings.
Who does Karolina Muchova play next?
The 2023 French Open finalist has shades of Roger Federer, not least because if their similar headband, but also their smart approach to tennis propped up by such obvious raw talent.
Having previously made a run to the last four at Flushing, Muchova is certainly one to watch throughout the remainder of the tournament.
In her way in round three is Anastasia Potapova, who opened her account with a slick dismantling of 2021 finalist Leylah Fernandez.
A former Junior Wimbledon winner, Potapova has previously reached the cusp of the top 20 but in recent times has suffered some heavy defeats.
An astonishing 6-0, 6-0, defeat to Iga Swiatek in 40 minutes saw the young Russian win just 10 out of 58 points suffering one of the quickest defeats in Roland Garros history.
Importantly, she’s not let that hinder her ambitions too much and looks to be back in form in New York.
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