“Very close, but very far”: Tearful Muchova has to swallow bitter pill

Karolina Muchova was emotional after losing the Roland-Garros final in three sets to Iga Swiatek

Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova with her runners up trophy after her final match against Poland’s Iga Swiatek (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)

Carrie Dunn

June 10, 2023

Karolina Muchova did not deserve to finish her Roland-Garros campaign with a double fault. After fighting her way back into her semi-final against world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka, she was on the verge of doing the same against world No 1 Iga Swiatek.

But playing the defending champion – a three-time Grand Slam champion – in a final is, perhaps, a different prospect. Swiatek won her third French Open, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4; the Czech was tearful in the trophy presentation, and no wonder.

So much be to proud of ❤️

Paris loves you, @karomuchova7 #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/TmSagtqmp4
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 10, 2023

Still, she gathered herself to speak to the media afterwards, telling British television: “It was very close, but very far. She’s the world No 1, she’s the best player on clay, I would say. Very close, but I’m glad that I put up the fight and I was able to win the second set and that it was a great show.

“A little bitter for me, the finish, but so far it’s been an incredible tournament for me.”

She added that her time in Paris had felt very long, and said: “I look forward to celebrating with my team and now I know it’s possible for me, I’ll try to work hard and maybe get another final and chance to win a Grand Slam.”