Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik produced a stunning comeback to reach the mixed doubles final in New York, while Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli kept their perfect record intact.
Key Highlights
- Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik rallied from 3-0 and 8-5 down, saving two match points to reach the final.
- The Czech duo defeated Mirra Andreeva and Flavio Cobolli in a dramatic match tiebreak after winning 4-5 (7), 4-1, [10-5].
- Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli improved to a perfect 7-0 as a pair, dropping just two sets throughout the tournament.
- The final will feature full sets to six, with a 10-point tiebreak replacing a deciding third set, and the champions will take home a $1 million grand prize.
Muchova and Mensik Survive a Dramatic Comeback
Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik showed remarkable composure under pressure to book their place in the mixed doubles final. The Czech pairing found themselves trailing 3-0 and 8-5, while also facing two match points. However, they refused to fold, producing their best tennis when it mattered most to complete a remarkable comeback.
The victory further highlighted why Muchova and Mensik have proven to be such an effective combination. Muchova's creativity and Mensik's raw power have complemented each other throughout the tournament, allowing the duo to raise their level during crucial moments.
Mensik's Serve Makes the Difference
Muchova delivered in the clutch early, hitting a volley winner to close out a tense opening set. After the pair surrendered the second set despite holding a break advantage, it was Mensik's powerful serving that proved decisive in the match tiebreak.
The 20-year-old continued to add to his ace tally, with his biggest serve coming when he saved a match point to level the tiebreak at 9-9. He followed that with another unreturnable serve to earn match point for himself and Muchova. The Czech duo then won the final four points to complete the comeback and secure their place in the final.
Bencic and Cobolli Keep Perfect Record Alive
Meanwhile, Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli continued their impressive run despite dropping the opening set of their semifinal. The pair found themselves 1-0 down and facing three break points in the second set, but they saved all three before winning the final four games to force a match tiebreak.
They then completed the comeback with another strong display, particularly at the net, to secure their place in the final. The victory extended their record to a perfect 7-0 as a pair, with the duo having dropped just two sets throughout the tournament.
$1 Million Prize Awaits the Champions
The final will bring another major change to the format. While matches have been played with sets to four throughout the tournament, the championship match will use full sets to six. If a deciding set is required, a 10-point tiebreak will be played instead of a third set.
And when the final concludes, the champions won't just walk away with the title. They will also collect the tournament's $1 million grand prize.
