In autumn last year, the Štvanice colleagues met in a small tournament of the ITF’s lower organizations in the English city of Shrewsbury. They looked at each other and thought, “What are we doing here?”

At the time, neither of them were among the world’s top 100 players, but both had achieved great success: Vondroušová was a finalist at Roland Garros and the Olympics, Muchová was a semifinalist at the Australian Open and twice a quarter-finalist. at Wimbledon.

The journey back to the top seems to be just a distant goal, hindered by a number of obstacles and obstacles, especially health problems, which have suffered greatly for both of them.

Looking at the future world rankings, especially the August 21, 2023 edition, it may seem like the most audacious sci-fi product for Czech tennis players at that time.

But here’s the reality now: both are in the world’s top ten.

Wimbledon champion Vondroušová was in ninth place, Muchová jumped just behind.

“Last year I was even out of the top 100, so it’s unbelievable,” said Muchová after she defeated world number two Arya Sabalenko for the second time this season on Saturday and advanced to her second major final of the season after the French Open.

This time last year, a week before the US Open, Muchová was ranked 235 in the world. He entered the year from 151st place. He is now in the top ten in the world after riding in Ohio.

“I always hope and believe that I can be at the top. But you never know,” he admits to the doubts that come mainly related to health issues.

“In the past, my health was a big problem. It always stopped me. I am very happy where I am now. I can say for the rest of my life that I am among the ten best tennis players in the world. It is a great achievement, no one will take it from me.” Muchova smiled. He celebrated his twenty-seventh birthday on Monday with great success.

In Sunday’s final at the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati, she was not up to snuff against 19-year-old American Coco Gauff, but there were no major disappointments.

“When I woke up in the morning, I just said to myself: Oh, this is going to be very difficult, I’m playing Coco,” said Muchová after the final, which he lost 3:6, 4:6.

The young American is looking increasingly dangerous, in Cincinnati he has matured even against world number one Iga Šwiateková and won two of his three preparatory tournaments before the US Open. In addition, Muchová was overwhelmed with fatigue from a series of three-set fights.

“I went to the final a bit tired and I was the worse player,” admits the Czech.

Gauffová, one of the biggest favorites at the US Open, praised Muchová. “I always watched you and thought: What a player he is. Glad to see you healthy, I think you will continue to do well. I’m sure we will play many great duels together,” said the Delray Beach native in Florida.

The world of tennis is now dealing not only with the outstanding performances of American teenagers, but also with the rise of Czech rising stars.

“It’s a very interesting story,” he told The Tennis Podcast.

“The incident at Shrewsbury is the funniest anecdote I’ve heard in a long time,” noted tennis journalist Courtney Nguyen said of the Czech women’s “downturn” last year.

Basically, exactly one year after England’s appearance in a minor tournament, Vondroušová and Muchová could meet on very different tennis stages.

The two are currently in the top eight to advance to the Tournament of Champions. This would be the perfect ending to the unusual story of the rapid growth of two compatriots and a friend.