Former US Open runner-up Karolina Pliskova overcame a big scare to defeat Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, in a roller-coaster final at the Brisbane International.
Pliskova, who also won the tournament back in 2017, looked on course to suffer a straight sets loss to the world No.27. After dropping serve twice in each of the first two sets, the Czech was trailing 4-6, 3-5. Despite the scare, Pliskova turned her fortunes around by capitalising on a error-stricken Tsurenko service game to draw level at 5-5, before forcing the match into a decider. Then in the final set, the fifth seed rallied towards the finish line as the movement of her rival deteriorated on court.
“I would like to congratulate Leisa. I thought she played a great tournament. Even though she was close today (to the title), I’m sure she is going to play many more finals.” Pliskova said during the trophy presentation.
During the dramatic 133-minute match, an injury scare marred the start of the decider. Tsurenko had to take a medical time out after rolling her ankle on the court. Luckily the Ukrainian managed to keep playing, but it was noticeable that the intensity of her footwork was reduced. Allowing her higher ranking opponent to go on and clinch the title. Tsurenko had previously never lost a final on the WTA tour, however, Brisbane was her first at Premier level.
"I'm a fan of your tennis!"
So sweet! 😍@LTsurenko pays tribute to @KaPliskova after a great final!#BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/8c4hIDfpMd
— wta (@WTA) January 6, 2019
Despite the Tsurenko’s woes, it was Pliskova’s experience on the big stage that prevailed. Although the 26-year-old will be the first to admit that it wasn’t her cleanest of performances. In the final she hit one ace to five double faults and 16 winners to 33 unforced errors.
“Brisbane is one of my favourite tournaments.” Stated Pliskova. “I have won it for the second times in the last few years, and I also reach the semi-finals last year. I always have great memories here and I always like to start the year here.”
As a result of her win, Pliskova will move to seventh in the world rankings. Overtaking Petra Kvitova to become the Czech No.1. Overall, she has now has 12 WTA titles to her name with Brisbane being the only tournament she has won on multiple occasions.
