Karolina Muchova already had shot of the tournament sewn up when she produced an early contender for the best performance of the U.S. Open. Muchova’s 6-3, 7-6(5) win over Naomi Osaka in the second round was a masterclass of variety and shotmaking.

Muchova, 28, stormed into the last 16, dismantling Anastasia Potapova 6-4, 6-2, in another display of textured tennis. On Monday, she took on the women’s story of the year, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.

Muchova beat her 6-3, 6-3, flowing through the court again. She got through issues with her stomach to beat the No. 22 seed, Beatriz Haddad Maia, 6-1, 6-4 and reach the semis, 12 months on from her last appearance, when she lost to eventual champion Coco Gauff.

Muchova now has the chance to win it. And despite their contrasting fortunes in New York, the return of both Muchova and Osaka is a win of a different kind, adding to an already remarkable group of players at the top of the WTA Tour.