WTA Brisbane International: Osaka loses to Pliskova
The former number 1 in the world rankings Karolina Pliskova won 3:6, 7:6 (7:4) and 6:4 against Naomi Osaka in Brisbane.
by Johanna Brauer
last edit: Jan 03, 2024, 08:31 am
Brisbane appears to have had a particular effect on Pliskova, who is now in the round of 16 of the tournament after her injury layoff. Brisbane International is also the only tournament that Pliskova has won three times. After the experienced number 16 in the world rankings lost the first set against the four-time Grand Slam winner, she didn't panic and stayed relaxed. She improved her serve and was in control of the match from the tiebreak in the second set. "I like the conditions and I like being at the tournament," Pliskova revealed after the game. After 2 hours and 14 minutes, Pliskova won the match.
Despite the defeat, Osaka can take positive things from the tournament. She started her comeback with a win in two sets against Tamara Korpatsch and was already able to improve in the second match. "I think it's a personal gain for me to even go on the court. A few weeks ago I still had doubts about whether I could even be on the court with anyone. The two matches showed me that I'm doing okay and that the year will be better for me," Osaka reflected.
Sabalenka wins in under an hour
Aryna Sabalenka gave her opponent Lucia Bronzetti no chance and won 6:3 and 6:0 against the Italian in under an hour. "I'm very happy with my performance. I think I played a great match. I just hope that I can maintain the level in every match or even improve," as the world number two announced after the match.