Ivanovic Ousted By Pliskova; Azarenka Knocks Off NJ’s McHale
In one of the bigger upsets so far at the US Open, Czech Karolina Pliskova took down eighth-seeded Serb Ana Ivanovic in straight sets 7-5, 6-4 to advance into the third-round.
The former world number one has been enjoying one of the better summers of her career, leading the tour with 48 match wins, but executed sloppy play in her second-round loss today.
She struggled with her first serves all match long gaining points on only 56 percent of her first serves despite her eight aces. With her serve being ineffective, she offered up 13 break point opportunities to Pliskova, who converted on five of those. The biggest of those break points came at 4-4 in the second set, when the 42nd ranked player in the world broke back after Ivanovic had broken her. After holding a 5-4 lead, she was able to serve out the set and pull off the upset.
It will be the first Grand Slam this year in which Ivanovic won’t reach the third round. She committed 29 unforced errors in contrast to the 19 committed by her opponent.
“It’s definitely my best match of this year,” said Pliskova, whose only other top 10 win came against Angelique Kerber earlier this year. “I just played my game and was focusing on me. I just wanted to enjoy myself and I did it.”
Pliskova now earns a matchup with Casey Dellacqua of Australia. The 29th seed won the final two matches to upend China’s Qiang Wang 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Victoria Azarenka won 12 of the final 14 games to cruise past American Christina McHale. The Teaneck, New Jersey native held a 3-0 advantage in the opening set before Azarenka stormed back.
Azarenka has been the runner up the last two years in Flushing Meadows, falling to Serena Williams each time. The Belarus native will play the winner of Marina Erakovic and Elena Vesnina, who were in action on Court 5 shortly after Azarenka’s match concluded.
American Shelby Rogers saw her US Open run come to an end Thursday. The 21-year old, who has been enjoying a successful summer on the court, fell to Italy’s Flavia Paennetta in straight sets 6-4, 6-3.
