Karolina Pliskova will re-enter the world’s top four on Monday after defeating Johanna Konta 6-3, 6-4, to win the Italian Open in Rome.
Pliskova, who had never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of Rome prior to this year, toppled her British opponent with an emphatic service display. In total the 27-year-old managed to get 74% of her first serves in, winning 73% of those. Furthermore, Pliskova broke Konta twice as she hit 21 winners to 14 unforced errors.
“It has been a great week for me and my team. There have been a couple of tough matches here (in Rome). So I’m happy that I fought through them.” Pliskova said during the trophy presentation.
“The weather wasn’t easy and I’m just happy that we are able to finish today.” She added.
In what was their seventh meeting on the tour, it was the higher ranked Pliskova who started out the stronger of the two. The ability of the Czech player to hit numerous shots deep towards the baseline and forced Konta on the defensive rewarded her. Two games into the match, a Konta double fault followed by a backhand error enabled Pliskova to break for a 2-0 lead. The world No.7 continued to dictate proceedings with the help of her serve, which she only dropped seven points behind throughout the first set. Konta’s form did improve as the match progressed, but she was unable to capitalize on her opportunities. The most notable of which was a break point chance whilst trailing 3-5. In contrast, a more consistent Pliskova clinched the 6-3 lead with the help of a failed drop shot attempt from her opponent on her second set point opportunity.
Six games away from being the first woman from her country to win the title since Regina Maršíková back in 1978, Pliskova continued to be tested by her rival on the court. Nevertheless, she secured another breakthrough midway during the second set. A lengthy Konta service game concluded with the fourth seed hitting a forehand drive volley to break for a set and 4-3 lead. The nerves started to play a role during Pliskova’s attempt to close out the match, but it wouldn’t stop her from claiming the title.
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Rome is Pliskova’s third title on a clay court and 13th overall. The accomplishment has returned her to the position of Czech No.1 heading into the French Open. A tournament where she feels she had a ‘chance’ of winning.
“Every tournament starts from zero. In grand slams there are seven matches for everybody. It’s going to be a total different story. Everything is going to be different.” Pliskova previewed of the French Open.
“I just hope to take the tennis, how I played here, to Paris. There is going to be a chance for me (to win the title), but there are going to be some tough opponents.”
There is also a silver lining for runner-up Konta, who is relishing in her best-ever clay court season. The Brit had only won seven main draw matches on the clay in her career prior to this season. Within the past three months she has won a further 10 on the surface. An impressive resurgence for Konta, who will rise back up to 26th in the WTA rankings tomorrow.
“I’m super pleased in general with how I have been progressing this year and how I have been improving with every match.” The British No.1 reflected.
“I feel to make the final (in Rome) is a big moment for me. I’m pleased to have taken part and just very pleased with how I have progressed.”
As a result of her win, Pliskova has become only the third player on the WTA Tour this year to win multiple titles. Following in the footsteps of Petra Kvitova and Kiki Bertens. She has now achieved 27 wins on the tour this season, which is the second highest after Kvitova (28).
