US Open Semifinal Preview: Coco Gauff vs. Karolina Muchova
If this is truly the Summer of Coco, she'll need to take care of the challenging Czech.
WATCH: Rob Gronkowski watches, then meets Coco Gauff at the US Open
“For sure to play my own game,” Muchova said when she was asked what the “key” to this semifinal would be.
“I don’t really want to say all the keys,” she laughed, “so I’ll focus on myself.”
What does “play my own game” mean in Muchova’s case? I would guess she’s talking about what separates her from a lot of other players—her variety of shots, her skill at changing speeds, and her desire and ability to transition forward and finish points at net. The last time she played Gauff, in the Cincinnati final three week ago, it was a hot day and Muchova was coming off several long matches, which meant she was too gassed to do any of the things mentioned above, or to put up much of a fight. This time the Czech will be better rested, and she should be motivated to have a better showing against the American.
How about Gauff? She’s still on her summer high, and while she has had moments of home-stadium nerves during this tournament, she has finished each match strong. She’s coming off a 6-0, 6-2 quarterfinal win over Jelena Ostapenko
Gauff should probably be the favorite based on her recent success, and the fact that she’s playing at home. But Muchova is the one who has already won a major semifinal this season, over Aryna Sabalenka in a classic at Roland Garros. The question on Thursday may be: Which will be more effective, Gauff’s mix of speed, serving, injections of backhand pace, and increased net-rushing? Or Muchova’s more classic mix of finesse and all-court attack?
I wouldn’t be surprised either way, but Gauff's legs and fans make her a tough out in New York. Winner: Gauff