IMAGE: Linda Noskova in action during her second round match against Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee at the US Open on Wednesday. Photograph: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Amber Searls
Key Points
- World number seven Karolina Muchova secured a decisive 6-1, 6-0 victory over Katie Boulter at the US Open.
- The match was moved to the roofed Louis Armstrong Stadium due to rain, where Muchova quickly adapted and maintained composure.
- Muchova’s dominant performance saw her win in under an hour, capitalising on Boulter’s unforced errors.
- The Czech player, a two-time semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows, demonstrated ruthless form throughout the match.
Linda Noskova eased to a 6-4, 6-2 win over Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee on Wednesday to reach the US Open third round as the Wimbledon champion bids for a second consecutive Grand Slam title.
The sixth seed was in control throughout but had to stay alert as the 22-year-old Tararudee came close to a earning a break point after both players held their first four service games.
Noskova kept her composure, however, before finding the breakthrough and taking the first set.
IMAGE: Linda Noskova reached the third round in New York for a second straight year. Photograph: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Amber Searls
Tararudee appeared to lose some momentum after falling behind, dropping serve twice in the second set as Noskova moved steadily towards victory.
The Czech eventually sealed the win in emphatic fashion, firing three aces to reach the third round in New York for a second straight year.
“I think I got my energy going from start to end. It’s kind of difficult to play at night,” Noskova said.
Noskova faces American Ann Li in the next round.
Muchova mauls Boulter to reach third round
IMAGE: The Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova hits balls to fans after winning her US Open second round match against Britain’s Katie Boulter, at Flushing Meadows, New York, on Wednesday. Photograph: Amber Searls/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters
World number seven Karolina Muchova stormed into the third round of the US Open with a crushing 6-1, 6-0 victory over Britain’s Katie Boulter.
IMAGE: Karolina Muchova makes a forehand return from the baseline. Photograph: Amber Searls/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters
Rain forced the meeting to be moved to the roofed Louis Armstrong Stadium and the two-time semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows was ruthless from start to finish.
Muchova’s Dominant Performance
IMAGE: Karolina Muchova shakes hanks with Katie Boulter after their second round match. Photograph: Amber Searls/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters
The world number 62 briefly threatened to make a contest of it, breaking in Muchova’s first service game, but she struggled to find any rhythm after that.
Muchova recovered immediately and took full advantage of Boulter’s unforced errors, 15 of which came in the first set alone, to take the opener.
IMAGE: World No. 62 Katie Boulter briefly threatened Karolina Muchova, breaking in first service game, but struggled to find any rhythm after that. Photograph: Amber Searls/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters
The second followed much the same script, with the Czech continuing to dictate play while Boulter failed to hold serve throughout the match, allowing Muchova to secure the win in under an hour.
“I was happy about my composure. We changed courts to this one with the roof, so of course I’m really happy with the way I adapted,” Muchova said on court.
Muchova, who claimed the mixed doubles title in New York with compatriot Jakub Mensik, will next face Emma Navarro, who beat Caty McNally 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in an all-American clash.