{"id":6322,"date":"2018-01-22T16:39:14","date_gmt":"2018-01-22T21:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/?p=6322"},"modified":"2018-01-22T16:39:14","modified_gmt":"2018-01-22T21:39:14","slug":"pliskova-czechs-strycova-out-of-aussie-open-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/tennis\/2018\/01\/22\/pliskova-czechs-strycova-out-of-aussie-open-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Pliskova Czechs Strycova out of Aussie Open 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

Karolina Pliskova came out of this all-Czech<\/strong> Australian Open<\/a> 4th-round match against Barbora Strycova battle-scarred and relieved.<\/p>\n

So Near, but yet so Far for Barbora Strycova<\/strong><\/p>\n

D\u00e9j\u00e0 vu can be a sickening feel sometimes. At this stage last year, Barbora Strycova had eventual champion Serena Williams<\/strong> reeling<\/a>. The American turned around her tournament as well as the match. Could history repeat itself?<\/p>\n

Too often throughout her career, luck has deserted Strycova. Therefore, when a net cord looped over for Pliskova at a key stage in the first set that Strycova went onto win, you felt at 31 years old, her luck was turning.<\/p>\n

Pliskova’s point-shortening upset Strycova’s rhythm \u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An early break in the deciding set at just after nearly 1am local time left you feeling that Strycova could pull off the upset.<\/p>\n

Pliskova showed why she has been World #1, and could be again, even this tournament. Strycova at her best was crafting points and wearing Pliskova down. This is what makes a top class player. Pliskova found the energy and guile to blast out some short points, unsettling her Federation Cup teammate: Strycova<\/strong>. Tremendous defence from Pliskova wore out Strycova in the end.<\/p>\n

A tournament always loses a little edge when a quality, competitive, and entertaining player like Barbora Strycova exits. She has left her mark on the tournament again. Beating Strycova in the 4th round was a good omen for Serena last year; Pliskova will be hoping for the same destiny.<\/p>\n

Halep up next for Pliskova<\/h3>\n

The reward for this tight three set victory is a shot at the World #1 Simona Halep<\/strong>. There is more than a semifinal spot up for grabs in this match. Pliskova and other players could knock Halep off her perch. The permutations centre around a Pliskova victory here.<\/p>\n

Both players have been made to work hard at stages in this tournament. Pliskova will gain a great deal of confidence from her improved defensive display. Halep’s ankle injury seems to be worrying her, Pliskova will hone in on this. It’ll be a great match to watch.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>