Australian Open: Karolina Pliskova wants to take the next step
After her great start to the season, Karolina Pliskova now wants to win a Grand Slam tournament by winning the tournament in Brisbane.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jan 14, 2020, 12:03 pm
Brisbane and Karolina Pliskova - that fits. With a narrow three-set victory over Madison Keys, the Czech girl secured the winner's check in Queensland for the third time, and the world ranking second defended a title for the first time in her career.
Last year, Pliskova was able to continue her performance at the subsequent Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne, but in the semifinals, after a great game against the eventual winner Naomi Osaka, she was still at the end after a three-set defeat. Previously, the 27-year-old had made a sensational comeback in the third set against Serena Williams .
Basically, Pliskova feels comfortable at the Australian Open, but this year the Czech wants to go two steps further than last year. "I feel good and I am full of self-confidence, but I have to start from scratch", the former world number one does not want to put too much pressure on himself.
Pliskova's plan is ready
Nevertheless, Pliskova also knows that the time for the first major title seems ripe. "There is no better start to the year," said the Czech after the triumph in Brisbane. That may be true, but the 27-year-old has so far not been able to make a big breakthrough at the big events.
For the Australian Open, Pliskova has already put together a concept: "I have to go out, train and be ready for anything. Then anything can happen." Maybe even the arrival at the destination of dreams.