Karolina Pliskova has become the first Czech player in history to win the Stuttgart Open after outlasting an animated Coco Vandeweghe 7-6(2), 6-4, in the final.
The fifth seed, who was contesting her first WTA final on clay since 2015, experienced a far from straightforward encounter against her American opponent. Wild card entrant Vandeweghe illustrated her potential throughout the week with a trio of wins over top 10 players Sloane Stephens, Simona Halep and Caroline Garcia. Nevertheless, Pliskova managed to prevail with a combination of power and skillful shot-making. Emulating the encounter between them both 12 months ago in the tournament which the former world No.1 also won in two close sets.
“I like to thank my team.” Pliskova said during the trophy ceremony. “I’ve had such good support from, them. Without them, I don’t think I would have won the trophy. “
“I think this (Stuttgart) is one of the best events on the tour. I always enjoy playing here. I had a good Fed Cup before (the tournament) so it gave me some confidence to play on the court.” She later added.
Facing an uphill struggle at the onset, the former US Open finalist was broken immediately at the start of the match to trail 0-2. Going into the final Vandeweghe had dropped her serve only four times in the tournament, but Pliskova managed to break that trend to bounce back to level 2-2. From then on there was little disparity between the two players throughout the opening set until a sudden momentum change in the tiebreaker.
Once again, Pliskova recovered from a mini break down by claiming seven consecutive points in the tiebreak. Frustrating Vandeweghe, who let out an outburst of anger hitting a backhand error. Throwing a tennis ball out of frustration and seemingly swearing to herself, although it wasn’t loud enough to get her a warning from the umpire. In contrast a more composed Pliskova closed out the 7-6 lead with the help of backhand winner that painted the tramline of the court.
.@KaPliskova takes the opening set, 7-6(2)!
She's one set from the @PorscheTennis title! pic.twitter.com/6pD35rG5JY
— wta (@WTA) April 29, 2018
Closing in on her 10th WTA title, Pliskova continued to pile the pressure on her faltering opponent. Whose usual dominant serve began to unravel. Midway through the second set, the Czech broke once again to lead by a set and 3-2. Celebrating with a roar of ‘come on.’ Vandeweghe tried to respond in the following game, but failed to take advantage of her break point opportunity. Smashing her racket on the ground after failing to do so.
Approaching the finish line, Pliskova struggled to crossed it initially. Leading 7-6, 5-2, a revived Vandeweghe retrieved one of the breaks with a clear winner. Still, it was not enough to derail the Czech from the title as she clinched her first trophy of 2018 with the help of back-to-back errors from Vandeweghe. Who burst into tears following the match and sought comfort from her coach Pat Rafter.
.@CocoVandey gives a speech to the @PorscheTennis crowd after reaching her first career clay court final! pic.twitter.com/u3n06OqqAG
— wta (@WTA) April 29, 2018
Despite winning her second Premier title and a brand new Porsche car, Pliskova will remain sixth in the WTA rankings on Monday.
