The 2024 US Open is all about interesting gimmicks! From Naomi Osaka‘s stunning outfit to Leylah Fernandez‘s interesting hairstyle, this Slam has swept the world in a whirlwind of craziness. Amidst this, France’s Karolina Muchova snatches the spotlight after she placed Aussie player Nick Kyrgios in a stature of great respect. While Kyrgios responded with utmost delight, Muchova’s gesture showcases why tennis is more than striking balls and winning points.

Muchova defeated Japan’s Naomi Osaka by 6-3, 7(7)-6(5) in the second round of the 2024 US Open. After the victory, she entered the Slam’s third round to compete against Anastasia Potapova. Muchova’s performance in the US Open has been great so far but more than her recent success, her post-victory statement has garnered attention from the tennis fraternity.

After defeating Osaka, Muchova was interviewed by Nick Kyrgios, who attended the event as ESPN’s commentator. Speaking of Muchova’s intense volleys in the match, Kyrgios asked whether Muchova was inspired by her childhood icon, Roger Federer.

She responded, “Yeah for sure. I watched him. I watched you.. all the guys doing these things and I really like it. So I try to put it in my game,” said Muchova hyping the Aussie player. Muchova’s response delighted Kyrgios and he tweeted sharing Tennis Letter’s X post about the incident. “I think Federer is a better role model than me!! But thanks @karomuchova7 😴🤩” Kyrgios wrote. His tweet could express that Kyrgios was also impressed by the WTA star’s grounded personality.

Her admiration for Federer is not new to the tennis fraternity. Last year, in an interview with the Guardian, Karolina Muchova revealed how much she adored Federer’s playstyle. “Then when I was older, I looked up to Roger [Federer] and players like this, playing this aggressive, attacking style and I saw myself in that a little bit, in the way I would like to play the game,” she said.

For this Czech girl, her victory against Osaka mattered. It offered her with confidence. “I’m very, very happy for the result and the experience I got. I have great matches under the belt, it helps the confidence too,“ she concluded. However, when Kyrgios asked about the shift in her perspective, Muchova’s response showed how she dreamt of achieving this feat.

Karolina Muchova feels “grateful “ that she can “play tennis”

Nick Kyrgios mentioned his incident while speaking about Muchova’s wrist surgery. He also underwent a secret wrist surgery after suffering immense pain and returned to the court leaving people amazed. Kyrgios asked the Czech girl whether her wrist surgery and third-round entry to the Slam had changed her perspectives about attending the big tournament.

Muchova’s answer was again humble and showcased her passion for the sport. “Honestly this year the biggest win for me is that I could play again. 🥹 I’m really grateful I’m able to play tennis and that I made it here. This is just the cherry on top to be here in this stadium. It’s crazy,” she said.

Muchova’s recent performance drops hints about her potential in the future. Given that she defeated a talented player like Naomi Osaka, she can do better and leave her fraternity truly amazed. As the world whispers for Muchova’s admiration, this WTA star proves nothing is greater than being humble and polite to colleagues and seniors.