There were some striking commonalities as Karolina Pliskova took to No.2 court for a fourth round battle with Karolina Muchova: the same first names, a shared nationality and a desire from each woman to progress to a first Wimbledon quarter-final.
Each was also helped by a high-profile supporter, Pliskova coached by 1994 Wimbledon ladies’ champion Conchita Martinez and Muchova cheered loudly by a celebrity fan in actress Rebel Wilson.
But if there was one contrast it was in their credentials: the vastly more experienced Pliskova is, after all, a former world No.1 and emphatically established her position as an All England Club favourite with a lead-in title at Eastbourne. And while the No.3 seed was contesting her eighth Wimbledon, the No.68-ranked Muchova is a main draw debutante.
All of those factors could logically have combined to overwhelm the younger Czech, in only her fourth Grand Slam appearance. But Muchova underlined that a clear sense of belonging enhances her imposing ability – and after three hours and 18 minutes, it was the younger Czech who emerged a 4-6, 7-5, 13-11 winner.
An unremarkable history and routine first set offered little hint of the enthralling drama that would follow. Pliskova had easily progressed in her only other battle against Muchova, taking 69 minutes in a straight-sets Australian Open victory.
It seemed likely the No.3 seed would achieve a similar result as she claimed first set in 36 minutes. The pair had opened with an exchange of breaks, but Pliskova gained the advantage with another break in the ninth game and consolidated to take the 6-4 advantage.
Muchova, however, was warming up to the challenge, and thriving off the energy created by an appreciative crowd, gained a break for a 5-3 lead in the second. Pliskova recovered then, saving a set point in the next game as she gained the break back – but the younger Czech simply dug deeper, breaking again in the 12th game to send it into a decider.
Already, the 22-year-old had made massive inroads this Wimbledon, her three-set upset of No.20 seed Anett Kontaveit to reach the fourth round ensuring a new career-high ranking. But even as Pliskova gained a break to lead 4-2 in the third set, the spirited young star was clearly determined to continue her progress.
When Pliskova served for the match at 5-4 in the deciding set, she showed her vulnerability. Not helped by a Muchova spectacular volley winner that saw her go down 0-30, she was also impeded by her own errors. Pliskova clawed it back to deuce with a glorious lob but Muchova didn’t waver, gaining the break back two points later.
At times when Muchova reminded spectators of her inexperience, she also countered with a remarkable composure. After double-faulting to give Pliskova a critical break point in the 11th game, she clawed her way out of trouble with a forehand smash winner.
Persisting against Muchova’s high-energy attack, Pliskova finally earned another opportunity. The long rallies were increasingly ending with Muchova errors; the longest of the match, at 18 strokes, set up the most critical break point and Pliskova seized it for a 11-10 advantage.
As Pliskova served for victory again, Muchova was simply fearless. Blasting a forehand winner return on the first point established authority and after a bold backhand winner, Pliskova once again double-faulted to level.
As the match appeared headed for a maiden third set tie-break at the All England Club, Muchova had other history to consider. She maintained control to seize the final three games, securing victory with a forehand winner.
In all, there were 53 winners for the brave young star to 43 unforced errors. And while Pliskova could take some heart from similar numbers – she had 51 winners to 39 errors – the renowned big server was out-aced by Muchova, who had 14 to the seven she managed.
The next challenge for the headline-grabbing Muchova is against No.8 seed Elina Svitolina. It will be a first Grand Slam quarter-final for the Wimbledon debutante, and a fifth for her opponent. Already guaranteed a top 50 ranking with her first top 10 victory, the fearless young Czech won’t allow those contrasting credentials to dent her now-famous determination.
Pliskova related the dangers of allowing Muchova the slightest opening.
“I think I had a lot of chances, for sure. Also starting in the second set, I was not playing the best tennis, for sure,” said the 27-year-old, who particularly lamented a weakness in her biggest weapon.
“My serve was totally – not totally, but quite off,” Pliskova added. “I think she just played good. She had nothing to lose, so some shots were quite understandable. She just went for it. A little bit unlucky, but that's how it is.”
For Muchova, that aggressive approach was a matter of timing. “I think the start of the second set I started to play better. I mean, she's super steady. She's (an) awesome player. She didn't give me much chances to take. But, yeah, that start of the second set I went for my shots. I was going more to the net. I felt like I could make it,” she said.
And if there was surprise in progressing so far in a Slam this early in her career, it’s backed by a growing confidence. “Well, I'm super happy about it,” said Muchova. “Surprise? I thought I can go far in this tournament. I felt pretty confident in last matches. It was tough match today. Yeah, it's kind of surprising, I think."
