US Open star cries on court as ex-boyfriend watches match and refuses to leave

US Open star Karolina Muchova was reduced to tears after spotting an ex-boyfriend in the stands during her second-round victory over Sorana Cirstea. And the man initially refused to leave following a request from the world No. 13.

Muchova has impressed at Flushing Meadows in the past and reached the semi-finals in 2023 and 2024. Last year she was eventually knocked out by Jessica Pegula after succumbing to Coco Gauff the year before. And she may fancy her chances of launching an assault on this year's US Open title after already overcoming Venus Williams, Cirstea and Linda Noskova.

Muchova endured a difficult start against Cirstea as she fell 4-1 behind in the opening set. And the 29-year-old became visibly upset while serving in the sixth game of the match.

She then walked to the side of the court and gestured towards the crowd before wiping tears away from her face. The star eventually held serve, but was then spotted wiping her face with a towel.

And when asked about the incident after the match, Muchova explained in her native Czech language: "Well, it wasn't tennis-related. So l don't really like talking about it, but opposite my bench, my ex-boyfriend sat down.

"He sometimes shows up at places where he shouldn't be. That startled me a bit. I told him to leave, he didn't, but later he did go. It was hard to focus in that moment."

Following her victory over Noskova, Muchova said: "Yeah, I'm alright. I didn't make any report and everything is good."

After being asked if she was confident there wouldn't be a similar incident later on in the tournament, she stated: "I mean, who knows, right? I don't know, so."

And discussing whether she felt safe on court, she added: "Yeah, yeah, I feel okay."

The United States Tennis Association addressed the issue of player safety ahead of the US Open in a statement to The Athletic.

"Player safety is a critical element of our planning and execution for the US Open," they explained. "Our comprehensive security plan includes protocols and procedures for effective risk mitigation and issue management. We work closely with the ATP, WTA, ITF, ITIA and the other Grand Slam events to stay informed of all relevant situations and concerns.

"The US Open is in constant communication with local and federal law enforcement, who also maintain a presence at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

"We utilise both physical and technological means throughout the event to monitor and maintain security, including online threats to players."