Karolina Pliskova started off her title defence in Rome by defeating Barbora Strycova in straight sets 6-3 6-3 and after the match she spoke about the match to wtatennis.com. She said:

"It was not an easy job, but I thought I played quite good today. I was feeling the ball, I was serving quite well, and in the important moments, I just went for it. So it paid off."

Pliskova played well last year here and speaking about that she said:

"I like it here, and ever since I changed my feelings about Rome last year I think the conditions here can be quite good [for me]. I thought the court was actually quite fast… And because it’s so hot now, even more than in April when the tournament normally is, I think it can be good for me."

Her next opponent will be Anna Blinkova who can be a dangerous player to face. Speaking about the match Pliskova said it was going to be challenging:

"It’s going to be for sure challenging. I think she’s going for her shots as well, she’s playing a little bit of a similar game as me. I have to serve well, play my game, and that way I think I can beat her."

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