WATCH: Karolina Muchova hits ‘shot of the year’ as she books Naomi Osaka US Open clash

Oli Dickson Jefford 28 Aug 2024 2:34 PM

Karolina Muchova hit the "shot of the year" to book a US Open date against Naomi Osaka.

Karolina Muchova hit what some have described as the “shot of the year” on her way to reaching the second round of the US Open.

Czech star Muchova was up against home favourite Katie Volynets in her opening match at Flushing Meadows and impressed as she eased her way to a 6-3, 7-5 triumph.

However, it was not the result itself that got fans talking – with a stunning shot midway through the opening set receiving huge praise courtside and online.

Up 4-1 on serve – but down 40-15 in Volynet’s service game, the former French Open finalist somehow managed to keep herself in the point with a no-look behind-the-back lob.

Her opponent was left scrambling to stay in the point, and a regulation smash saw the Czech win the point.

Muchova has long been recognised as one of the most talented players on the WTA Tour, but few would have predicted she could have pulled off such a magical shot.

The world No 52 was widely praised online, with several on social media describing the moment as the “shot of the tournament” or the “shot of the year”.

The Czech now goes on to face two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka, in what could be one of the picks of the second round.

Former world No 1 Osaka delivered her best performance of the season in round one with an emphatic 6-3, 6-2 triumph over 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko.

The Japanese is back in the second round of the event for the first time since 2021 and did not lose serve once against Ostapenko, hitting nine winners compared to just five unforced errors.

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Muchova and Osaka have never met before though it promises to be an intriguing clash, with two different game styles coming up against each other.

While the four-time Grand Slam champion loves first-strike tennis, Muchova uses her all-court variety to disrupt her opponent’s rhythm.

That is the kind of game style Osaka has struggled with in the past and the Czech certainly has a real opportunity in this contest.

However, while Osaka is under pressure of her own, Muchova is facing a significant rankings drop if she does not go deep into the tournament.

She reached her career-high of 8th in 2023, following a year that saw her reach the finals of the French Open and Cincinnati Open, as well as the last four in New York.

Injuries have wreaked havoc on Muchova again this year and, after missing Roland Garros and losing in round two in Cincinnati, she has fallen to 52nd in the WTA Rankings.

Currently, she sits at 171st in the WTA Live Rankings – a potential drop of 121 places should she lose this contest.