By Matthew Marolf
In 2016, Karolina Pliskova advanced to the US Open final. One summer later, after consistent results over the next year, she briefly held the No.1 ranking. Since that time, she’s failed to take her career to the next level, or reach another Major final. But now with Rennae Stubbs and Conchita Martinez in her corner, her play has steadily improved over the past six months. With a win today, she would move back up to No.2 in the world.
In 2014, Ash Barty decided to walk away from the tennis world at the age of 18 despite already achieving success as a doubles player. She spent the next year as a professional cricket player in her native Australia. Barty returned to tennis in 2016, but immediate results did not come as she battled injury. But by 2017, she found herself ranked inside the top 20 in singles. Then earler this year, she reached her first Major quarterfinal. Now she’ll debut in the top 10 with her run to the final in Miami.
Karolina Pliskova (5) vs. Ash Barty (12)
They’ve split four previous meetings, two of which were on hard courts. 18 months ago in Wuhan, Barty prevailed 7-6 in the third. In last year’s US Open round of 16, Pliskova won in straight sets. Karolina will look to control the rallies with her power, while Barty will look to use her variety to give Pliskova different looks and move her around the court.
Considering neither of them exactly crave the spotlight, X’s and O’s may not be as important as who better handles the moment. In a match of this magnitude, where their previous matches have been tight, experience on a big stage such as this will be crucial. That a definitive edge for Pliskova, who played in the US Open final in this same country a few years ago. I look her the life the winner’s trophy on Saturday.
Other notable matches on Day 13:
Defending Champions Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan (3), going for their 118th career title as a team, vs. Wesley Koolhof and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
