By Steen Kirby (Senior Editor), Last Word On Tennis
In a tightly contested three set US Open Women’s Final, the New World #1 Angelique Kerber battled past big serving Karolina Pliskova to capture the 2016 US Open title by a score of 6-3 4-6 6-4.
In the opening set Kerber got off to a hot start, as nerves were likely a factor for the first time slam finalist Pliskova. An early break was all the German needed, as she held her mettle and took the first set without Pliskova proving to be much of a threat.
The Czech stepped up in the second set though, she took a more aggressive approach, and her serving picked up, even though Pliskova served few aces in the match. Kerber faced a break point early in the set, that she saved, and another late in the set that she could not save. Pliskova was untroubled on her own serve, and had the momentum as she sensed a chance to come back from a set down and grab her first ever slam.
The third set was the most entertaining as it featured three breaks of serve, and a late twist. Pliskova was up a break in the third, and Kerber looked to be on the ropes, but Pliskova played a loose game and set a backhand wide on break point, letting Kerber back into the match. When serving to stay in the set, Pliskova again suffered a let down, and Kerber broke her for her second Grand Slam title this season, the other coming at the 2016 Australian Open. On Monday Kerber will be the new world #1, and she’s deserving given her results in the biggest tournaments this season. The 28 year old hadn’t reached a slam final until this season, but she reached three out of four this season and did something few other players have been able to do, win Grand Slams with Serena Williams in the draw.
The rest of the year, and next year on the WTA promises to be highly entertaining with Kerber leading the charge, and players such as Pliskova looking to continue their improvement. It’s a shame that ticket prices for the women’s final plummeted after Serena’s exit. The fans who did choose to attend the final were treated to a high quality and closely fought match.
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