Martina Navratilova's incredible Grand Slam record finds successor in Karolina Muchova as Czech downs Jasmine Paolini to reach US Open QF

Czech player Karolina Muchova matched former World No. 1 Martina Navratilova's long-standing record of having the most wins against top-five opponents in Grand Slams after six matches. This came after Muchova convincingly beat Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the Round of 16 at the US Open on Monday.

Having reached two Grand Slam finals this season, Paolini was the clear favorite going into the RO16 match. However, Muchova showed immense composure and skill to clinch a straight-set victory over the World No. 5 and halt her journey at Flushing Meadows.

After falling behind in the first set, Paolini did show signs of a comeback in the second set and was also leading the set 3-2 after the fifth game. However, Muchova showed impressive accuracy in the last four games and converted break points in the seventh and ninth games of the set to come back from behind and qualify for the quarterfinals of the Major.

Following her 6-3, 6-3 victory over the World No. 5, Muchova notched another win against top-five opponents in Grand Slams, making it five wins in six matches. This equaled the record of the legendary Martina Navratilova who also had five victories in her first six Grand Slam outings against top-five opponents.

Muchova is also the only WTA player in the last 40 years to have produced such numbers after six matches against top-five-ranked players. The Czech's only defeat against a top-five opponent came against World No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the 2023 Roland Garros.

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Karolina Muchova opens up after another top-five victory in the RO16 at US Open 2024

Karolina Muchova at the 2024 US Open (Image via: Getty Images)

Competing in her second Grand Slam following a wrist injury, Karolina Muchova has made an impressive comeback as she reached the quarterfinals of the US Open. The 28-year-old has shown incredible resilience against formidable opponents like Jasmine Paolini and Naomi Osaka and is yet to drop a set in the tournament.

Following her victory against Paolini, Muchova opened up about the butterflies in her stomach at the start of the RO16 match. She also had kind words for her opponent, Paolini. Muchova said (via the BBC):

"I was a little bit nervous from the start so I was trying to get my shots to feel the ball. Jasmine Paolini is an incredible player. I'm just really happy it's worked again for me here."

Muchova will face the winner of the match between Caroline Wozniacki and Beatriz Haddad Maia in the quarterfinals of the US Open on Wednesday (September 4).