Ashleigh Barty claimed the biggest title of her career by beating Karolina Pliskova 7-6(1) 6-3 in the Miami Open final.
The Australian, 22, previously won tournaments in Malaysia, Nottingham and Zhuhai, but this is the first time she has won a WTA Premier Mandatory event.
When you consider that Pliskova has won six Premier titles, this ranks as a surprising result. However, Barty is constantly improving, and this triumph reflects that.
“Thank you to my team,” Barty said at the trophy ceremony. “You guys keep me in shape and help me out with absolutely everything. I wouldn’t be half the player I am without you.”
She continued, “I love that you’re here with me week in, week out. You really make this the best career I could ever choose.”
Pliskova made a good start to the match. She returned well in the third game and earned an early break.
However, Barty soon settled and she got the break back in the sixth game to level the score at 3-3.
There was nothing to choose between them for the next six games. Both players served well and hit their groundstrokes effectively and neither faced a break point.
Everything changed in the inevitable tie-break. Barty returned well and hit a couple of excellent winners to race away and win it 7-1.
Barty capitalises as Pliskova tires
Pliskova looked crestfallen and exhausted and she called for her coach. However, despite her best efforts, Conchita Martinez struggled to improve her player’s mood.
Things then got even worse for the Czech. She saved four break points during a marathon first service game but still got broken by Barty.
She then watched as the Australian held easily, before battling to a hold of her own after facing intense pressure.
Although she did not earn the double break, Barty was in complete control at this stage. She breezed through her next two service games to make the score 5-3.
Pliskova then surrendered completely and lost her serve to love to confirm a big win for the Australian.
