Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova has got her preparation for the upcoming Australian Open off to a dream start after winning the Brisbane International on Sunday.
The world No.2 prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, over Madison Keys in what was an epic clash between the two. Taking on former US Open finalist Keys for the first time in her career, Pliskova required more than two hours to see off her opponent. Winning 64% of her service points and Breaking Keys four times during the match.
Initially, Pliskova was on course for a straightforward victory after leading her opponent by a set and a break. However, Keys battled back to snatch the second set to the frustration of her rival. Then in the decider, Pliskova saw another lead come and go when dropping her serve whilst serving for the match at 5-4. Despite the blips, she managed to hold her nerve to close out the match by breaking Keys once again before producing a love service game.
“I always enjoy playing here, It’s a great place for me,” Pliskova said during the trophy ceremony.
The 27-year-old has become the first woman to have won the Brisbane title three times. It is also the first time in her career, she has managed to defend a title. Following in the footsteps of Serena Williams, who is the only other player to have ever won back-to-back titles at the tournament. Pliskova has now won Brisbane more times than any other WTA tournament in her career.
“I think that’s more special than winning is that I finally defend,” she said.
“That’s always, I think, harder. But, yeah, it took me a couple of years to do it, but pleased with that.”
Keys was the second seeded player to fall to the world No.2 after Naomi Osaka, who Pliskova edged out in three sets on Saturday. Despite her high-profile victories, the former world No.1 admits that aspects of her game require further improvement. This year she has a new coaching team with Dani Vallverdu, who is also still working with Stan Wawrinka, and Olga Savchuk.
“This time, I don’t think it was [my] perfect tournament, maybe last year I played here and there a little better, but maybe I was fighting more this time and just somehow [found] a way to win the matches, which is important. And I beat only good top players, so there was nobody really easy this time.”
Pliskova will be hoping that she can capitalised her latest success in the upcoming Australian Open, where she will be bidding to claim her first grand slam title. Last year she reached the semi-finals in Melbourne for the first time.
“I think it always gives you some extra confidence and tells you what level you are at for the start of the year,” Pliskova commented on her latest victory.
“But of course, a Grand Slam, there is nobody thinking ‘she won a tournament two weeks ago’.
“That doesn’t count. I can still feel well and confident but I have to start from zero. I have to go out and get some practices and be ready for it. Anything can happen.”
The Australian Open gets underway on January 20th.
