Karolina Muchova Delivers Stunning Upset Over Naomi Osaka in U.S. Open

Karolina Muchova defeated two-time champion Naomi Osaka in the U.S. Open's second round with a 6-3, 7-6(5) victory. Despite a 10-month injury hiatus, Muchova showcased her prime form. Osaka, who recently returned from a maternity break, succumbed to crucial errors, allowing Muchova to advance.

Czech tennis player Karolina Muchova displayed a masterclass in serve-and-volley to eliminate twice U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka in the second round on Thursday with a 6-3, 7-6(5) triumph.

Muchova, returning to peak form after a 10-month wrist injury break, looked unstoppable at Arthur Ashe Stadium. She secured a third-round face-off with unseeded Russian Anastasia Potapova, following her decisive win over Osaka. Four-time major champion Osaka, who skipped last year's tournament due to maternity, began strong but faltered with costly errors against the Czech.

The match saw both powerful servers battling fiercely. Muchova gained a crucial break point in the seventh game after forcing Osaka into a backhand error. While Osaka made a brief comeback with a powerful forehand in the second set's ninth game, her momentum fizzled out. Critical mistakes and faltering forehands handed Muchova the match, crowned by a resilient tiebreak finish.

(With inputs from agencies.)