The WTA tour feels a whole lot different these days. If 2016 was any indication, the dominance of Serena Williams has vanished as she was dethroned as the best female tennis player in the world by Angelique Kerber. No longer do the Grand Slam events feel like a foregone conclusion, the WTA is an open tour, and many players will feel they can do what Kerber and Garbine Muguruza did last year and that is capture their maiden major.
That is a list that includes fifth seed Karolina Pliskova. The Czech heads into Melbourne as the ‘in-form’ player after capturing the Brisbane title with minimal fuss. She is considered by many to be the third favourite behind the top two seeds despite being ranked outside the top four. With Serena looking more vulnerable and Kerber not looking in the best of form, it might just be Pliskova that goes all the way and lifts the Australian Open title.
There are little doubts that the 24-year-old has the ability. She has one of the best serves in the women’s game, making her extremely difficult to break, and her ground game is ever improving. Pliskova hits flat and generates effortless power off both wings, but has struggled with movement in the past. However she has worked hard to iron out her game, and what was perceived to be a huge weakness is not seen as much of a problem these days. Pliskova has the power and ability to control her own destiny in matches. She can outhit anyone when firing, and that is a great trait to have in your locker. You can argue that many players possess the ability to win Grand Slams on the WTA tour, but where Pliskova has the edge is her mentality. She has steely determination and handles pressure well. There is not much that separates the best from the rest in terms of talent, but the ability to apply that properly and stay strong in pressure situations certainly does, and that is what Pliskova has developed in the past two seasons.
We saw the Czech make her breakthrough Grand Slam run at the US Open last year where she finished runner-up to Kerber. Despite the loss, it was not a bad showing from the world number five, and it is an experience she can draw upon if she makes the final in Melbourne. The run to the final in New York was highlighted by a straight sets win over Serena in the semi finals, her potential last four opponent at the Australian Open. She has shown she can do it once in the American’s home slam, so she is capable of doing it again.
With form on her side and the ability to win Grand Slams, it is certainly plausible that Pliskova can win her maiden major title in Melbourne. She has a tough road ahead, possibly facing the top three seeds in a row in order to do it, but she has shown she can rise to the occasion before. There is a growing feeling that we could have a first time champion, and if that is your feeling then Pliskova may be the best bet.
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