Karolina Muchova is having a dream run at the US Open. The Czech ousted former US Open champion, Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Potapova to make it to the fourth round of the major. And as she dazzles in success, she is not alone in celebrating her big leap. She has her friend Rebel Wilson by her side, as she looks forward to challenging Jasmine Paolini in R4 to enter the quarterfinals.

Muchova has a strong game, as she made it to R4 with straight-set victories throughout the US Open. However, her next opponent is the Italian tennis star, who has made her mark this season. Paolini made it to the finals of the Roland Garros and Wimbledon Championships and claimed the coveted Olympic gold in the doubles category as well. As Muchova prepares for the epic clash against Paolini, she reflected upon her journey at Flushing Meadow with an Instagram post. The caption read, “Soaking in the moment, staying focused on the journey 🗽🍎”

This post of the Czech player found special support from her “friend” and Australian actress, Wilson. who appeared in the comments with three emojis, “🙌🙌🙌.” For the unversed, a few months ago, there began a guessing game among the tennis fans, when Wilson released her book: Rebel Rising. The famous actress revealed, “I could give up my career for this person, travel around the world on the tennis circuit.” Many fans assumed that it was Muchova Wilson was talking about, although she didn’t mention any name.

Nonetheless, Muchova is transversing on an upward trend. Last year too, the Czech made it to the semifinals of the US Open but was ousted by the eventual champion, Coco Gauff. However, she would love to take a step further this time and play in the title match. With her recent form, she might just do it and while doing that, she might break gender stereotypes once and for all as well.

When Karolina Muchova slammed Chris Evert for invoking gender stereotypes

Karolina Muchova is not the only tennis star who has faced comments stereotyping her game. Back in time, people compared the form of the 23-time grand slam champion, Serena Williams, with her male counterparts. However, when Evert made male references to Muchova’s game at the US Open, the Czech tennis star took a stand for herself.

Talking about Muchova’s game, Evert said, “She plays like a guy. She wants to play like a guy. The guys have bigger serves than the women, they have better volleys for the most part, and they move a little bit better.” 

Responding to that, Muchova said, “I don’t think I play like a man. I don’t know what to say about that. I don’t really know what she said. But yes, I definitely take inspiration from Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic. I like to follow what they do. It inspires me. I don’t think I play that way. But, yes, I was not ready to comment on this matter.” Further, fellow players Ons Jabeur and Nick Kyrgios also came out in support of Muchova.

As Karolina Muchova takes on Jasmine Paolini’s challenge in the fourth round of the US Open, she would want to block out the outside noise and be focused on her game. Do you think Muchova can make it to the quarterfinals? Let us know in the comments below.