Karolina Muchova breaks silence on distressing ex-boyfriend incident at US Open

Friday, 29 August 2025 at 13:11

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byErik Virostko

Karolina Muchova fought for three hours to reach the third round at the 2025 US Open, but her opponent was not the only obstacle on the way to the win.

So far at this year's US Open, Muchova has had to play two incredibly challenging matches. First, she drew Venus Williams, who played an exceptional match. The 45-year-old legend took the Czech player to three sets, but Muchova eventually prevailed, winning 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.

In the second round, the 29-year-old Czech player faced Sorana Cirstea, who had played her best match in recent years. The Romanian showed up with an incredible level, pushing the match to a third set.

Muchova eventually emerged victorious, winning the match 7-6(0), 6-7(3), 6-4. However, in the first set, she appeared to be distracted by something. Naturally, she was asked about it by the Czech reporters during the press conference after the match.

Initially, Muchova mentioned that something had distracted her, but she didn't seem interested in providing too many details about the incident.

"Yeah, there was something. But, I'm happy how I managed to deal with it, because it was a bit difficult for me to focus, but I got right back in the rhythm, and I fought for every rally."

However, one of the reporters sensed that there was some real issue, and asked the Czech player once again. Muchova shared that her ex-boyfriend appeared in the stands, which distracted her.

"It's not tennis-related, so I don't like to talk about it. But, my ex-boyfriend sat right next to my box. He likes to appear at places where he shouldn't be, and where I am. So that scared me a little bit."

"I asked him whether he could leave. At first, he didn't, but then he left. It was difficult for me to focus on tennis at that moment."

Muchova set for an all-Czech meeting at the US Open

Up next, Muchova will play against fellow compatriot Linda Noskova. The Czech fans will see the meeting of their two best players, with the draw opened up for the winner, as the sixth-seeded Madison Keys exited the tournament in the first round.

Muchova knows Noskova. The two joined forces at the 2024 Paris Olympics, reaching the semi-finals and later losing the bronze medal match. She is looking forward to the match against her compatriot.

"She is a great girl. She is funny. We got close during the Olympics, and we're still talking. I think we have a good tennis relationship, but also outside of tennis, we stay in touch."