There will be no new world No.1 on the women’s tour after Czech underdog Karolina Pliskova stunned world No.2 Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-1, in the final of the Cincinnati Open.
The match was of huge significance for both women. Kerber was a win away from dethroning Serena Williams as world No.1 and Pliskova was closing in on her maiden Premier title.
With so much at stake, it was the Czech underdog who went out guns blazing against her error-stricken opponent. Kerber committed four consecutive errors to gift the early break as Pliskova strolled to a 4-0 lead. The German did retrieve one of the breaks, however, it was too little too late as the Czech displayed her variety of weapons to close the opening set out with back-to-back forehand winners.
Pliskova’s calm approach to the match was surprising to some as she took her time before she attacked her rival shots. It was a sharp contrast to the more experienced Kerber, who was visibly frustrated with her lacklustre performance and appeared in distress during an on-court talk with her coach during one of the changeovers.
There was no ease in Pliskova’s offensive as she kept applying pressure on her German rival. Playing patiently in the rallies and waiting for her chance, a loose forehand from Kerber handed the world No.17 her fourth break of the match to lead by a set and 2-0. There was no chance of the world No.1 dream coming true for German tennis fans as Kerber continued to buckle under the enormity of the occasion. A forehand error followed by a huge double fault handed Pliskova another break to move to a game away from the biggest title of her career. Successfully fending off a break point, the world No.17 sealed the shock straightforward win with her seventh ace of the match.
Apart from dashing the dreams of Kerber, Pliskova has also booked her place in history. She is the first player from her country to win the Cincinnati title. Sealing the trophy with the help of 24 winners and a 65% winning service rate, the 24-year-old will rise up the rankings to 11th in the world.
The Pliskova-Kerber @CincyTennis match stats. Bit too untidy from Kerber to get it done today. #WTA pic.twitter.com/iL5enPmrRL
— TennisTV (@TennisTV) 21 August 2016
After sealing her fifth and most significant title on the WTA Tour, Pliskova paid tribute to Kerber during the award ceremony.
“I would like to congratulate Angie, she played an amazing week and I think the whole year she has been doing a great job.” She said.
As a result of the Pliskova’s triumph, Williams will remain at world No.1 for the 184th consecutive week. The 34-year-old is now only two week’s from equally Stefi Graf’s all-time record.
