Pliskova, Brady advance in Dubai Duty Free Championship

Karolina Pliskova had no issues against Kristina Mladenovic in Dubai whom she beat with ease in just 68 minutes. From the get-go, Pliskova established herself as the dominant force on the court despite lackluster serving. She only hit 48 % of her 1st serves but that didn't bother her as she won 18/26 points on her own serve. Her opponent was terrible on her serve particularly on her 2nd where she won only 2 out of 13 points. The set lasted 31 minutes and the result was 6-1 for Pliskova.

The 2nd set wasn't much different. Mladenovic played a little better on her own serve but still not good enough. She surrendered it in the 1st game and never recovered. Pliskova maintained her dominance on her own serves cruising to an easy 6-2 2nd set victory. It was a dominant performance by Pliskova who is eyeing her 1st Dubai Title after losing in the final in 2015.

The second early day match was between Brady and Vondrousova. The Dubai crowd had a chance to witness a majestic comeback by the American who defeated Svitolina the previous day. Vondrousova started the match pretty good earning an early break in the 1st set. She would maintain it to grab the 1st set 6-4. She was even better in the 2nd set where she jumped out to an early 4-1 lead. It seemed she would cruise to an easy victory but it wasn't so.

Brady called her coach on the court and after a short chat, she was amazing going forward. Switching to an aggressive serve and volley style she won 5 games in a row to clinch the 2nd set 6-4. She would continue that style of play because her opponent had no answer. Growing more and more nervous she committed multiple mistakes to lose the deciding set 6-1.

While Vondrousova totally collapsed in the latter sets credit must be given to Brady who executed the serve and volley gameplay to perfection. Brady advances to the 3rd round of the Dubai Duty Free Championship with this victory.

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