Karolina Muchova will hardly be able to remember with pleasure the set that decided the 2023 Roland Garros final. The Czech tennis player, after being down 2-6, 0-3, reversed the situation and found herself twice ahead by a break in the third half of the game.
Muchova wasted a precious break point in the ninth game and then ended the match with a painful double fault in the following game. However, the player born in 1996 will not have to let herself be influenced by the last act of the Roland Garros, conquered for the third by Iga Swiatek, but think of Paris as a new starting point to build something extraordinary.
Muchova did not hold back tears both on the court and at the press conference.
Muchova in tears at the press conference
The Czech told in the press conference: “A bit bitter feeling, because the match was very balanced. Overall, however, already defining myself as a Grand Slam finalist is an extraordinary result and will give me great motivation to work in the future and have the possibility to compete again for the big titles.
I played more aggressively in the second set and I think it worked. She was struggling, a little more tense and she also started making mistakes. After taking my chance in the second set, I thought the match could go my way.”
She then added: “I have always believed in myself in every Grand Slam tournament I have played. Having reached a final has given me a very good feeling. It is good for my confidence. Now I know that I am capable of achieving great results.
I never expected to achieve this result on clay. I can’t wait to play on grass, on fast surfaces, the ones I prefer. Iga is number one in the world and I was so close to beating her.
Now I think I can do it. Of course I’m a bit sad, but in a few weeks I’ll look at this tournament differently. I gave my all on the court, so I have nothing to reproach myself for.”