Pliskova impresses in Singapore

 

Originally published on 22/10/17 00:00

The Czech was in sizzling form from the outset and her domination of her opponent’s tentative second serve was key to her success. Williams performed well in fits and starts but her lack of consistency from the baseline contributed to her demise.

Pliskova, who recently split from her coach David Kotyza and is currently being assisted by Rennae Stubbs, is already well placed to make it through to the semi-finals.

“My serve was pretty good today. It could be better but I hit some aces and that’s why I won,” said the delighted world No.3 afterwards.

“Maybe the score makes it look a bit easier than it was, because it was very tough from the baseline. We both played pretty fast and hit some good shots so it was an amazing match, I think.

“There are no easy matches here in Singapore and we have to be ready from the first point. That’s what I tried to do today, and it worked.”

In the second match of the day in the White Group, Grabine Muguruza prevailed in a big-hitting duel with Jelena Ostapenko 6-3 6-4. The Spaniard, who was recently named the WTA player of the year, was pleased to start the tournament in the right way.

"I feel like I'm in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam as I'm playing the best players," remarked the 24-year-old. "I just knew I had to be very confident and wait for my opportunities, especially against such a fearless opponent. It's always tough to close a match against the best players, they never give up, and when they are young, they fight even more.

"I just kept fighting until I won that last point."

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