Karolina Pliskova shines to win Italian Open over Konta: Thanks coach
"...The serve, her improved movements and she looked good at the net..." were some qualities mentioned by Tennis Channel's Chanda Rubin of the 2109 Italian Open WTA winner Karolina Pliskova. The Czech brought many important factors to Rome, some with her knowledge and others by coincidence. Pliskova showed the great speed by mixing up her shots, knowing how to slide on the red clay to perfection.
One of her reasons on winning this match might well have been grand slam winner and former ex-Spanish Davis and Fed Cup captain Conchita Martinez. Pliskova's coach since the end of last year, Martinez has been the lucky rabbit's food that has held a player or two together for the absolute title. She had stepped in for Garbine Muguruza's coach Sam Sumyk when he couldn't be with her at Wimbledon due to the birth of his child. Martinez guided her into the Wimbledon Championships where Muguruza won the title. And now here with taking the helm as Pliskova's head coach, the Czech has won the title. Pliskova speaks highly of Martinez saying "She loved clay so she knows exactly what I should do...There were small differences: movement, maybe to put more topspin on the balls, use drop shots...I know she loved this tournament. I think she prayed so I could win today."
Pliskova's determination was brewing from the opening as she played with much fluidness and fiery desire. It was her lead of 2-0 that she put away a net volley on Konta. The beginning set only took Pliskova 36 minutes proving that Jo Konta should have started playing smart tennis or it might be over for her. The Brit had tried and executed some great midcourt put-aways. But her Rome final performance was a bit lackluster than previous rounds. She gave the Czech kudos saying "It's always tough playing Karolina...There's rarely really a rhythm to the match. She plays with big shots, quite flat and big serves. It can feel sometimes you're fighting an uphill battle. That was the case today."
Everyone is confident Pliskova will do well at Roland Garros, but the Czech speaks about her future performance as being speculation. "I just hope to take the tennis I was playing here to Paris. For sure there's going to be a chance for me if I play this way." Rome was good for Karolina Pliskova and as she arrived ranked no. 7, she will leave no. 2 in her world and with great moments and a title. She knows she still has her work cut out for her. She's taking all her good mantra with her to Paris which can only breed good results. When she lands on the other red clay courts, she will be ready to play and her coach will be guiding her right there along the way.
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2LSi6VQ
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