Agnieszka Radwanska’s preparation for the Australian Open has hit another high after she thrashed Barbora Strycova 6-1, 6-2, in the semifinals at the Sydney International.
The world No.3 was in unforgiving form against her lacklustre opponent, who was suffering from the after effects of her marathon win over Caroline Wozniacki in the previous round. Throughout the 75-minute encounter, Radwanska dropped only 11 points being her serve and saved four out of the five break points she faced. She has now extended her winning head-to-head against the Czech player to a perfect 7-0.
“I think I’m playing better and better each match,” Radwanska said.
“I really like to play in Australia. I love the courts. I feel very comfortable here and in Melbourne.
“I’m just very happy to make another final, especially here when it’s always very strong tournament.”
A cheeky shot from @ARadwanska
#SydneyTennis pic.twitter.com/DTvQZrZfqs
— WTA (@WTA) 12 January 2017
Radwanska’s latest win means she has reached the final without dropping a set in the tournament. She achieved the run with the help of her latest weapon – a custom made racket. This year she has opted to change her frame from Babolat to Srixon as she bids to win her first grand slam title.
“It’s always tough to change equipment, but … I think (at) my age, this is the last call I can do something. Why not? I didn’t really feel like I have to (change). It’s always a choice.” She said.
“This racquet, it’s made for me. I was pretty much saying what I want and what I wanted to change and what I prefer. So, you know, I think that’s the perfect thing to have.”
Two tournaments into the new season, it is too early to judge if the new racket will lead to a surge in success for the Polish player, who has won 20 WTA titles in her career. Her biggest test will be next week at Melbourne Park, where she will be aiming to better her run to the semifinals last year. Nevertheless, the signs are encouraging, according to Radwanska.
“I think I’m playing a bit deeper and the ball is going a little bit better,” the world No.3 said about her new equipment.
“So that’s the difference that I notice. I think we will see in a couple of weeks, it’s still early. But so far it’s going good.”
In the Sydney final Radwanska will play either Johanna Konta or Eugenie Bouchard. The 27-year-old last won the tournament in 2013.
