"Williams, 45, had not featured in any grand slam since losing in the first round of the 2023 US Open but produced a stirring display against an opponent 16 years her younger. Muchova, who reached the last four of the US Open in 2023 and 2024, eventually prevailed 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in a topsy-turvy encounter that lasted exactly two hours and saw Williams produce a stunning second-set performance."
"Williams was purring by now and produced two glorious backhand passes on serve to move briefly ahead in the set before obliterating Muchova's second serve with a stunning forehand to help bring up another break point, which Muchova saved with a backhand down the line. That hold seemed to spark Muchova into life, and the 11th seed brought up a break point of her own in Williams' next service game, retaking the lead in the set when Williams fired into the net."
Venus Williams returned to the US Open after missing grand slams since 2023 and faced 11th seed Karolina Muchova. Muchova won 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in a match that lasted exactly two hours. Williams began stiffly but loosened to produce powerful groundstrokes and an impressive second set. Muchova, a two-time recent semi-finalist, responded under pressure and secured decisive breaks. The encounter featured multiple momentum swings, service breaks, and double faults that influenced the outcome. The match combined veteran resilience with consistent aggression from the seeded player, resulting in Muchova's first-round victory.
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