“Come back and fight for the title”, promises Muchova after the fairy tale ends in tears

The final was one-sided for a set and a half, then Karolina Muchova (26 years old; 43e world), led 6-2, 3-0 fully lived his first Grand Slam final, jostled and shaken Iga Swiatek when she served to lead 5-3 in the 3e set. Before bowing. In a press conference, after a crazy fortnight (she saved a match point in the semi-finals against Aryna Sabalenka), she said: “I’m a bit sad but when I look at what I did in the tournament, I have no regrets. I feel a little bitter, it was a very close match. But having played in a Grand Slam final is a great achievement and it will be a great motivation to continue working in order to have the opportunity once again to play for one of these great titles. What made the difference? During a set and a half, I was slow. Iga always starts her matches very well and when she is launched, it is very difficult to break her game. I tried to change the rhythm, to get her out of her rhythm. I returned with more vigor in the 2e set. And in the 3e set, we both had opportunities, I used them less well than her. Iga Swiatek finally won 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 on a double fault from the Czech.

Comforted on the stage by Chris Evert, the Czech said: “She said words to me that I will keep to myself. After two weeks, I was exhausted, it was a very emotional moment.“Before projecting:”I was so close, I think I’m able to get there. It will take a lot of work, a lot of effort but I will do what it takes. On the last two Grand Slams this year. And after. I think I can do it. I want to come back to fight for the title in the next few years.»

Karolina Muchova then spoke of the quick page on gr (she who was quarter-finalist in London in 2019 and 2021): “My head, currently, thinks of rest to take care of my body. Between clay and gr, we don’t have much time. I was supposed to play in two days in the Netherlands. I won’t go there. I want to prepare well. Turf is so different for the body and for everything. I look forward to playing on gr, on a faster surface. These are the surfaces that I prefer and that I love…»