Karolina
Pliskova faced a tough challenge against
Naomi Osaka in the
Qatar Open,
securing a commanding victory by 7-6(6), 7.6(5). The Czech player extended her
winning streak to nine matches and is set to confront Iga Swiatek in the
upcoming match.
Osaka is
gradually finding her rhythm on the Tour and has showcased strong performances
in her Doha matches. The four-time Grand Slam champion defeated the 15th seed
Caroline Garcia and Petra Martic. With a bit of luck, she advanced to the
quarterfinals with a walkover following the retirement of Lesia Tsurenko,
marking her first quarterfinal appearance since [previously unspecified].
Facing
Karolina Pliskova, their previous encounter in early January saw the Czech
player triumph with a scoreline of 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. The former Wimbledon
finalist arrived at the Qatar Open after being crowned champion at the Winners
Open just days ago. Pliskova secured a significant victory in the second tound
against the young star Linda Noskova with a score of 3-6, 5-7, 6-1, just before
the clash with Osaka.
The first
set showcased the closely matched skills of both players, known for their
excellent serves and powerful groundstrokes. Osaka secured an early break in
the second game, taking a 2-0 lead, but Pliskova quickly leveled the score by
breaking back. Despite a slightly hesitant start from both, neither player
conceded their serve throughout the set.
However,
Osaka was slightly more effective with her service (65% compared to Pliskova's
63%) and return points (38% compared to 35%). Nevertheless, the set reached a
tiebreak, and unlike the rest of the set, both players were inconsistent with
their serves. Pliskova performed better in crucial moments, securing the
tiebreak 7-6(6).
The second
set mirrored the beginning of the first. Osaka obtained an early break, swiftly
confirming it to take a 2-0 lead. However, the former world No. 1 Czech player
once again found a quick break and won three consecutive games to seize a 3-2
advantage.Principio del formulario
For Osaka,
deciphering Pliskova's service variations proved to be challenging, with the
Czech causing more problems for the Japanese player in the return. With the
score at 5-4 and Osaka serving, Pliskova had her first match point, but the
Japanese player managed to save it with an excellent first serve.
With
several break opportunities for both sides in the final games, Osaka saved a
total of three match points before taking the match to a tie-break. In the
decisive moment, Pliskova was more effective at handling the pressure, quickly
taking a 3-0 lead. However, Osaka won the next four points in a row to take the
lead. Nevertheless, Pliskova showed no hesitation and ultimately secured the
set and the match 7-6(4), 7-6(5).
In the
semifinals, she will face none other than the world No. 1 and defending
champion Iga Swiatek, who boasts an 11-0 record in her three appearances in
Doha and aims to become the first player to win three Qatar Open titles.
