Angelique Kerber has won her first US Open title after outlasting tenth seed Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, in a titanic two-hour clash in New York.
Many expected a classic meeting between the two players, who have played each other in tournament finals in their three previous meetings since 2015. It was an expectation that both players triumphantly lived up to with just seven points separating the two throughout the entire match, which was played in the 23,700 capacity Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Playing in her third major final of 2016, Kerber swiftly settled into the match against her more inexperienced opponent. During the first game, Pliskova’s nerves and misfortunes played into the hands of the second seed. A duo of double faults combined with a forehand into the net gifted Kerber her first break point of the match. She converted with ease after a stroke of bad luck hit her opponent with the stings of her racket breaking.
Pliskova’s nervy start failed to taint what was an outstanding opening set of tennis with both players wowing the audience. As Kerber valiantly battle to maintain the lead, fending off a trio of break points, her focus in the match failed to wobble unlike her straight sets loss to the Czech in their previous encounter. Running around the court and playing aggressively, the 28-year-old had an answer to every question that was asked of her.
“How good is that???” Kerber’s incredible reach wins point https://t.co/cwKiKK4UFY
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) 10 September 2016
The high intensity and tenacity that Kerber played with soon rewarded her after a Pliskova double fault handed her a set point. It was an unworthy way to get the opportunity considering her opponents sharp and spirited performance in the opening set. Nevertheless, Kerber seized her chance when another lengthy rally between the two concluded with her hitting a winning forehand down the line.
Edging herself on by shouting words of encouragement in German, Kerber maintained her brick wall defence beyond the first set. Facing the prospect of being broken at the start of the second, she rallied back by hitting shots deep and into the corner of the court. It was a pattern that continued over the next couple of games with Pliskova’s heavy hitting moving her into a seemingly dominant position before the new world No.1 hit back to restore control.
The breakthrough for the Czech finally occurred in the seventh game when a lob shot landed in, gifting Pliskova her first break of the match to lead 4-3. After trying for so long, the tenth seed finally dismantled Kerber’s serve as she moved to a game away from clinching the second set, thanks to some successful heavy hitting. The task of serving the set out proved no problem for the 24-year-old as an ace followed by a Kerber shot landing out took the match into a decider.
We’re going the distance! Pliskova takes the second set against Kerber https://t.co/C7wo39MUf2
— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) 10 September 2016
As six games stood in the way of both players winning their maiden US Open title, it was a rejuvenated Pliskova that struck first. After coming from behind through the majority of the encounter, a deep return forced Kerber to hit the ball out to break for a 2-1 lead in the decider. The advantage was short lived after back-to-back unforced errors from the Czech resuscitated Kerber’s titles hopes as she broke back to level 3-3.
As the match approached the closing stages, there was still no reduction is the high standard of tennis set by both players. Holding to love, Kerber moved to a game away from victory to mount the pressure on Pliskova. It was a position that was too much for the Czech as a backhand into the net resulted in three championship points. The title was then secured after a forehand from her opponents was blasted outside of the court.
The enormity of the occasion drew Kerber to tears with the realisation of what she has achieved coming apparent. Not only is she the first German winner since Steffi Graf in 1996, she has also extended her lead at the top of the rankings.
“It’s just amazing, I’ve won my second grand slam within one year.” An emotional Kerber said during her trophy ceremony.
“This is the best year in my career. It is incredible because to play here (New York) is where everything started in 2011 and now I’m standing here five years later with the trophy. It means so much to me.”
Going a break down in the deciding set, Kerber said that her mentality helped her to claw her way back into the match.
“I was trying to stay in the moment, trying to play my game, be more aggressive. I was just trying to enjoy playing the final.” She said.
Kerber’s triumph still doesn’t take anything away from her final opponent, who produced 40 winners in her first grand slam final. Speaking after her defeat, Pliskova is looking on the positive side of her tournament performance.
“ I definitely found out that I can play my best tennis on the biggest stages against the top players.” Pliskova said.
“Even though I couldn’t get the win, I’m really proud of myself, I was really happy with the way I was playing the last two weeks and hopefully there will be many more finals to come.” She later added.
As a result of her run to the title, Kerber exits the event with a prize money fund of $3,50,000.
