Ajla Tomljanovic survives a difficult test against Karolina Muchova to progress to the US Open’s second round.
New York, USA, 30 August 2022 | Vivienne Christie
Ajla Tomljanovic has moved into the second round of the US Open for the sixth time in her career, after a gritty win over Karolina Muchova.
Tomljanovic took an hour and 47 minutes to record a 6-3 7-6(5) victory against the Czech, setting up a meeting with Evgeniya Rodina.
The world No.46 Tomljanovic was a clear statistical favourite against Muchova, who has dropped to world No.235 after navigating a string of injuries.
But the Czech, who peaked at No.19 in May 2021, is a dangerous opponent with victories over then-No.1 Ash Barty and Naomi Osaka (No.2 at the time) on her record. She was an AO 2021 semifinalist and has twice reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
An authoritative start was therefore welcome as Tomljanovic claimed a break against the Muchova serve in the first game to seize control of the opening set. She gained another break to progress to a 5-1 lead.
Despite surrendering a break of her own as she first served for the set, Tomljanovic maintained pressure against a rusty Muchova, who is contesting only her seventh tournament for the season.
Forcing a backhand error from the Czech, she claimed a third break of serve to claim the first set in 45 minutes.
“For me it’s been a little bit, like, career-changing.”
Ajla Tomljanovic, Australia’s top-ranked woman, discusses how embracing nerves is the secret to her recent good form 👇#GoAussies #USOpenhttps://t.co/RHjHrhcloK
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) August 28, 2022
Having spoken recently about holding her nerve on big occasions, Tomljanovic did exactly that as Muchova increasingly challenged.
As the Czech found her rhythm in a tight second set, Tomljanovic braved a break point in the fifth game, before dropping serve in the 11th game to allow Muchova to serve for the set.
But the recovery was strong as Tomljanovic fought back to force a tiebreak. After Muchova took a 3-0 lead, Tomljanovic won five straight points.
The Czech claimed just one more point, Tomljanovic completing her victory with a solid forehand winner and a final error from Muchova.
Finishing the match with 17 winners against 32 unforced errors, Tomljanovic will take confidence from finding her best in key moments against Muchova, who recorded 20 winners and 35 errors.
Tomljanovic was the sole Australian woman to score a…
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