Czech player Marketa Muchova pulled off a stunning upset against top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the Beijing quarterfinals, winning with scores of 7-6 (7/5), 2-6, 6-4. Muchova’s next opponent will be either China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen or 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva, both vying for a place in the final.
In the other semifinal, last year’s US Open champion Coco Gauff will face Spain’s former world number two Paula Badosa.
Sabalenka, ranked world number two, was riding a 15-match winning streak, having claimed titles in Cincinnati and her first US Open earlier this month. However, she struggled against Muchova, who had previously been ranked inside the top 10 before injuries hindered her career.
Muchova had emerged victorious in their last two encounters, both of which went to deciding sets. This match also proved to be highly competitive. Despite being a break up at 4-2 in the final set, Sabalenka couldn’t maintain her lead, as Muchova seized momentum and began to play more aggressively.
Sabalenka noted the challenging conditions and praised Muchova’s performance: “It was a really high-level match, and she played some unbelievable tennis,” she said.
The match began with Sabalenka facing three break points but managing to hold serve. She then had opportunities to take the first set, including a set point on Muchova’s serve at 5-4, but faltered. Muchova capitalized on her own chances, taking the first set after a thrilling tiebreak.
In the second set, Sabalenka quickly broke for 2-1 and maintained control to level the match. However, in the deciding set, neither player could hold serve until Muchova found her rhythm again, clinching the match after nearly three hours of play.
Muchova, once ranked ninth in the world and a finalist at the French Open, had been sidelined for nearly 10 months following wrist surgery. Reflecting on her performance, Sabalenka expressed disappointment but also pride in her efforts, stating, “I was really close to winning today, but things didn’t go my way.”
