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World No.1 world champion Ashleigh Barty took on current World No.1 Karolina Pliskova over tough challenges inside Rod Laver Arena on Thursday at the Australian Open, advancing to the third round in straight sets .
Above first, Pliskova avenged the loss of the third round of the Yarra Valley Classic to 2019 semifinalist Danielle Collins from just eight days ago
“It was tough because we played last week. The game was very close. At least I knew how she plays a little bit,” Pliskova said after the game.
“I was just playing better in a few minutes, which I didn’t do last week. Then she wasn’t playing as well as she did last week. I knew if I at least keep up a little bit, just play at least like I did last weekend, I knew it would be harder for her than she was playing last week repeat.I think she played really well.
“That was about it today. It was more about living positive, living in there.”
Twice breaking up in the first set, Pliskova did not hold a one-set lead until her third chance, as Collins saved a set point in the 10th game to get back on service.
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After excelling in clutch times last week to defeat the Czechs in a pair of tiebreaks, the Americans were unable to reproduce that form inside. Laver: From 2-0 down in the second set, Pliskova moved through the last six games.
Next up for Pliskova is another Czech player, No.25 seed Karolina Muchova, past German veteran Mona Barthel, 6-4, 6-1.
“Today I think I played a little bit better than I did in the first game. I felt better and I stayed in the rallies. The first set was a little bit trembling, but then in the second, I went all the way, and I’m happy with that, “said Muchova.
“I felt like I could play rallies with her. I went for my pictures, finished at the net and got good results, so I’m just happy with today’s performance. “
The pair split two appearances in 2019, with Pliskova winning easily in the first round at Melbourne Park before Muchova drew a stunning upset at Wimbledon in a progressive quarterback run.
The two would also work together in the two-week quarantine period as part of the same group.
Karolina … air Karolina
All-Aussie relationship goes to Barty
Barty looked on the court to travel through to the final 32 as she took a 6-1, 5-2 lead against team-mate Gavrilova in an hour, but the player did not let her was previously a Top 20 with the main seed of everything being her own way.
Ultimately, Barty had to save two set points – after losing four straight games to fall behind 6-5 – in a break down in the second set before folding up a 6-1, 7- victory. 6 (7).
“I think I was doing everything right up to that point, then I feel like I was a little bit just lost my way quickly, more with just have the right intention and go around the right way, “Barty told reporters after the matches.
“I think more than anything I felt like the set was turning into a really sharp pear … but in the end, I was happy to being able to bring it back around when I needed it and win big points. “
Barty has now beaten Gavrilova in four of their five career meetings, although the two had not played in nearly two years.
“It’s so good to see her back. She’s been running really hard with injuries over the last 18 months or so, so it’s so nice to see her on. back here competing, “Barty told former double partner Casey Dellacqua in her -court interview.
“When you play another Australian or if you play a partner, the ratings go out the window, knowledge goes out the window. Usually, you know each other well, so it was always going to be a tough game no matter what. “
Next up for Barty is a game against semifinalist Gippsland Trophy No.29 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia, who defeated Czech Barbora Krejcikova, 6-3, 7-6 (4), to finish the third round of the Australian Open. arrive for the second year in a row.
“I’ve never met her. That’s a new one for me. I think that’s the time for Tyz [coach Craig Tyzzer] and me to sit down and do my homework. Tyz is very dedicated to all the work he does. He is the best in the business. I am very lucky to have it in my corner.
“We sit and work well from there, trying to work out a game plan as best we can. Then it’s about the challenge now of having someone I have not played against that I can go out there and test myself against.
“She definitely plays really good tennis, she had a great week last week too. She’s definitely put her foot firmly in the season, going well.
“Games are not easy in any trip event, any Slam, anything. I think every time you walk on the court, you have to try to be able to play your best tennis. to be able to compete with everyone. “