Muchova Knocks Out Sabalenka To Move Into French Open Final

Czech's Karolina Muchova stunned world number two Aryna Sabalenka to move into her first ever Grand Slam final at Roland Garros on Thursday.

Muchova edged past the Belarusian 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (5-7) 7-5 after a rollercoaster three hour and 13 minute encounter.

She held her nerve against the big-serving to take a surprise lead in the match despite failing to convert her first set point in the opener. 

Sabalenka was able to battle back in the second set and eventually clinched the set after another tie-break.

In the third set, the Australian Open champion stole a march to go 5-2 ahead, but failed to convert a match point and lost five games in a row as Muchova served out the match to seal a historic victory.

"I’ve heard people tell me [my game is incredible]," said Muchova, who added Sabalenka to her impressive list of victims in Paris.

"I don’t want to hear it or get it into my head too much and become cocky. 

"I’m just trying to play my game; we work on it and I’m glad it worked so well.

"Look around. It’s easy [to stay composed and motivated] in this beautiful stadium with so many people watching. 

"It goes nicely with everyone. I hear my name and people cheering for me when I go for my towel. It’s an incredible feeling."

The 26-year-old Czech will play either Polish top seed Iga Swiatek or Brazilian 14th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia on Saturday.

Only three women ranked lower than Muchova have made the final before in Paris, including the then-teenaged Swiatek who was 54th when she claimed her maiden Grand Slam title in 2020.