‘Muchova played French Open with same illness that made Rybakina withdraw’, reveals coach
Karolina Muchova played at the 2023 French Open with the same illness that caused Elena Rybakina to withdraw, according to her coach Emil Miske.
The Slovakian revealed Muchova played two matches at Roland Garros with a “terrible burning sensation in her lungs.”
Muchova made a superb run to the final of the French Open – where she fell in a three-set battle to world No 1 Iga Swiatek on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Czech climbed to 16th place in the WTA rankings this week following her six victories in Paris.
World No 3 Elena Rybakina withdrew from the tournament ahead of her third round match with Sara Sorribes Tormo due to an “upper respiratory illness.”
Miske explained that Muchova was dealing with the same issue as Rybakina during her run at the Grand Slam.
“Kaja had the same disease (illness) as Rybakina [at the French Open], who withdrew from the tournament, but she fought back and made it to the final, where she played great tennis, really amazing,” Miske told Idnes.
“Her bronchi were caught, some fever. If it wasn’t for all the things we did and all the medications she was prescribed. She played two matches with a terrible burning sensation in her lungs.
“We consulted [the] condition with the doctor, who said she could play, but it would be difficult. We didn’t discuss it during the tournament, but we knew it, that’s why she’s a winner for us.”
Miske also admitted Muchova will not be fully fit for Wimbledon, which begins on July 3, due to her recent physical issues.
“It scares me a little bit because we have a great job to do. It is already clear that she will not arrive 100% ready for Wimbledon, but we will try to work out a plan so that she arrives in the best possible condition,” continued the Slovakian.
“First of all, you have to be fit, you have to heal and get physically in order. It’s the only thing we’re interested in right now. She has great willpower, she’s extremely ambitious, she doesn’t give up. Who else would continue playing tennis after everything that has happened to her.
“How many times you have had to forgo a tournament or lost because of an injury. She always fell, but then she got up. And for that incredible quality, we all respect her and try to do as much as we can for her.”
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