Pliskova vs Zhang: Karolina Pliskova, a former World no. 1, defeated Zhang Shuai 6-0/ 6-4 on Monday at the Australian Open in an aggressive display to keep herself on route to her first Grand Slam victory. The 30th-seeded Czech player maintained her assured form at Melbourne Park with a scorching serve performance, hammering up 12 aces as she defeated the 23rd-seeded Chinese player on the Kia Arena show-court.
Pliskova, who had a difficult 2022 and skipped the Australian Open the previous year due to a wrist ailment, was ruthless in making it to her 11th Grand Slam Quarterfinal. The 30-year-old has 16 WTA Tour victories and advanced to the 2019 Melbourne Park semifinals. With the top two seeds, Iga Swiatek and Ons Jabeur, previously eliminated, Pliskova still yet to lose a match and, based on her current form, has a chance to advance all the distance.
Karolina Pliskova’s Magnificent Strokes
Pliskova vs Zhang: Likewise to how Pliskova performed in the 2nd round versus Julia Putintseva, she overpowered the four-years-older Zhang Shuai. Karolina Pliskova gave in the 1st set, and at 3-2 in the 2nd set. Pliskova dropped her serve for just the 3rd time all during the competition.
Although when she drew consecutive points and secured 3 match points. She was more than composed for her hesitance during Pliskova vs Zhang encounter. Pliskova ultimately utilized the last one, bringing her record in the Big Four competitions’ 8th-final round to 11-3. Karolina Pliskova progressed in 55 minutes while making just 13 unforced errors and 33 game-winning strokes, featuring 12 aces.
Pliskova vs Zhang: Pliskova’s trademark aggression outplayed Zhang
Pliskova vs Zhang: Karolina Pliskova did well with her serves. Capturing 82% of the points she played (67% total), especially the opening one. She also made 4 double faults and 12 aces while only breaking once. Despite 33 victories and 13 unforced mistakes, compared to Zhang’s 8 victories and 14 unforced errors. The trademark aggression also showed well.
Karolina Pliskova, who only dropped 5 points when serving, pressured the Chinese Zhang in every 1 of her serving games and recorded breaks in every one of them and get the contest going.
Pliskova vs Zhang: Zhang Shuai couldn’t take hold of the opportunity
Pliskova vs Zhang: In the 2nd game, Zhang Shuai was given the initial opportunity to end the disagreement, but she didn’t take it. This helped to level the playing field a bit more in the 2nd part.
Pliskova shattered her opponent’s service in the 6th game, seized the lead back in the 8th. But held her ground during Pliskova vs Zhang contest. In the 9th game, the Chinese enchanted at 0-40 and was held soon after, giving Pliskova an extra opportunity.
Pliskova vs Zhang: Karolina Pliskova to meet Magda Linette next
Pliskova vs Zhang: The Czech player took the service and picked up the victory on the 3rd match point. Karolina Pliskova will also compete against Poland’s Magda Linette, the 45th-ranked player in the globe, in the quarterfinals for a spot in the semifinals.
Pliskova dropped from 4th in the rankings to place outside the top 30 for the 1st time until 2013.
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