Karolina Muchova came back from 5-0 down in the second set to seal a 7-5 7-5 win over Karolina Pliskova and advance into the second week of the Australian Open.
In a tight contest, Muchova was able to control the rallies more as her mental toughness saw her edge to victory over Pliskova.
The 6th seed served 10 double faults as she recklessly crashed out of the Australian Open after having a 5-0 second set lead.
Now Muchova has a last 16 match-up on Monday with either Belinda Bencic or Elise Mertens.
Early signs were that this would be a close match as Pliskova’s aggression went up against Muchova’ variety and unique shot-making.
It was the 26th seed who had the early advantage after three breaks of serve opened up the match.
Eventually Pliskova would gain more rythym as the set got longer and started to get more consistent power in long rallies.
A break in the sixth game saw the match get back on level terms as Pliskova aimed to seize control of the match by getting in her more powerful strikes early.
Tactically both players tried different things with Muchova’s transition game into the net being a key part of the match.
Although Pliskova had her chances, throughout the set, it was Muchova who was able to remain more controlled and create effective patterns of play.
Eventually the 26th seed’s pressure paid off as Pliskova double-faulted to hand a crucial break in the eleventh game.
Muchova saved two break points and clinched a 49 minute opening set.
After smashing her racket twice in the final game, Pliskova then went off court and decided to let her anger out more. Unfortunately for her, someone watched her and therefore was given a point penalty at the start of the second set.
This seemed to her motivate her as the second set, she served and played much better dictating points on a far more regular basis.
Using the angles and increasing the speed, Pliskova was seemingly dominating the second set as she produced five games in a row for a 5-0 lead.
In normal matches, it would be a given Pliskova would force a deciding set however this was no normal match and the former US Open finalist’s confidence was seemingly shot.
More caution over her shot-making and a lack of authority over her service games allowed a window of opportunity for Muchova.
It was an opportunity that Muchova was going to take as she continued to work the angles and fight through some tight service games.
Some ridiculous misses and really bad decision-making saw the 6th seed rather recklessly destroy her hopes of winning her first grand slam.
An unprecedented seven games in a row saw Muchova claim victory and her place in the second week in Melbourne.
A fantastic win for Muchova, who will now play Belinda Bencic or Elise Mertens in the last 16.
As for Pliskova, this was a performance lacking serious energy and enthusiasm with her first grand slam seemingly further away than ever before in her career.
