Karolina Muchova advanced to her first French Open semi-final by defeating previous finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets.

The Czech triumphed 7-5, 6-2, securing only her second Grand Slam quarterfinal berth.

She won the second set easily after a tight hour-long first set that featured five breaks of service.

Muchova will face the winner of Tuesday’s second quarter-final between Elina Svitolina and world number two Aryna Sabalenka in Paris.

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Pavyluchenkova, who fell to 333 in the world following a catastrophic knee injury last year, reached the Roland Garros final in 2021, losing to Barbora Krejcikova.

Her chances of duplicating that run were dashed by Muchova, 26, who broke the Russian’s serve five games.

“It’s been an incredible two weeks, and I’m just glad I’m still in the competition,” Muchova said on the court.