All-Czech title battle in Sydney: Pliskova and Kvitova dump last year’s finalists

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Wilson Blade 9

Karolina Pliskova vs Petra Kvitova

We will have an all-Czech affair at the Apia International Sydney, as Karolina Pliskova and Petra Kvitova defeated last year’s finalists and will now face each other in the fight for the Premier-level title and $124,000 in prize money.

The 22nd-ranked Pliskova was the first to advance, as she bulldozed tired fifth seed Angelique Kerber, last year’s runner-up, whose all previous matches this week were three-setters in each of which she had to come back from a set down (remember that her second-round match even ended past 3 a.m. local time, while in her quarterfinals she was bageled in the first set). Pliskova’s 6-3 6-2 victory came in just 55 minutes.

In the repeat Sydney semifinal from last year, the second-seeded Kvitova avenged last year’s loss, dispatching defending champion Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria 7-5 6-1, who scandalously had to go through the qualifying this year, just like last year, despite being the reigning champion. Imagine, tournament organizers were not willing to give her a wildcard! They really treasure their champions…

The two Czechs have met once so far, very recently, at the Wuhan Open last fall, and Kvitova won 6-3 2-6 6-4. (photos: Jimmie48)

4 COMMENTS

  1. hmm…. looks like pliskova is trying to spoil my year end top 10 list.. 😛 she’s so relaxed on the court and if she improves her movement she’ll def be a top player

  2. Sru, hahaha good one! 🙂 Maybe she won’t go as far as Top 10, but the year is long, danger to your Top 10 list is lurking around every bend 😀

  3. Emman Damian, she’ll definitely give her best. What’s your prediction for the final? Can she overcome Kvitova?

  4. I believe she’ll be a mainstay in the Top 20. She can reach Top 10 if she performs well in The Grand Slams. I think she should take advantage of this time since she is at her prime or peak. I hope her twin sister Kristyna can rebound too soon.

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