Pliskova Shocks World Number Two Kerber for Cincy Title
The number 15 seed Karolina Pliskova was all that stood in the way of Angelique Kerber. With a win in the finals of the Western & Southern Open, Kerber would not only capture the Cincinnati title, but also unseat world number one Serena Williams atop the WTA Women’s Singles Rankings after Serena’s 183 week run as number one. Pliskova had other plans, and thwarted Kerber’s quest, knocking off the favorite in fairly dominant fashion, 6-3, 6-1 for the biggest win of her career.
Coming into the match, Kerber had a 4-2 career record in six matches, having taken their last two encounters. But Pliskova had different plans, jumping out to a 4-0 start en route to the title.
"I am playing aggressive enough, almost without mistakes," Pliskova said post-match. "My serve was good … forehand … backhand … there was not one thing what I would change in this match. I'm glad that it went this way. I was still expecting some complications during the match as always seems to be in tennis, but I’m happy it went like this.”
For Kerber, who is enjoying the best season of her career, it’s off to Flushing Meadows for the start of the 2016 U.S. Open, continuing her quest to overtake the top spot from Serena.
"I had such a great year so far and it's not over yet,” said Kerber. “I won my first Grand Slam and everything that's happened last months is just incredible. I try and enjoy it. Some days you're losing matches and some days you win. I will try to take the positive things from the match and from the last few weeks actually to going to New York."
