THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Pliskova eyes on Major breakthrough

Pliskova eyes on Major breakthrough

Former world No 1 Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic sets her sights firmly fixed on winning her first Major title in the 2018 season as she stopped by in Thailand this weekend for the World Tennis Thailand Championship.

The current world No 4, one of the fastest servers on the women’s tour, like the rest of the three stars (Simona Halep, Jelena Ostapenko and Johanna Konta)  who play in Hua Hin this week, hopes to have a breakthrough in a Grand Slam.

“It will definitely be winning Grand Slams. Next year will be a tough for me as I have so many points to defend because I have had many good results this year. I will try to be better than I was in the previous season,” said the 25-year-old in her second visit to the Kingdom after reaching the final in a WTA event in Pattaya four years ago.

The Czech whose best attempt at a Major was reaching the 2016 US Open final has enjoyed the best year on the tour in 2017 with a semi-final at Roland Garros and quarter-final appearances in the Australian Open and US Open. She reached No 1 for the first time in July.

Pliskova eyes on Major breakthrough

After losing to Caroline Wozniacki in the WTA Finals in Singapore two months ago, the towering Czech did not spend so much time chilling out as she has already some matches on her way to the beach resort for the tennis friendly event.

“I practiced hard and had some matches before I came here.  With some top players being here, it’s going to be tough in this tournament but I will try to win,” said Pliskova who was to take on French Open champion Ostapenko last night after the showdown between world No 1 Halep and Briton world No 9 Konta.

With rumours swirling around about the possible comeback of defending Australian Open champion Serena Williams from motherhood, less opportunities will be open for the Czech and other contenders if the American returns at the Melbourne Park.

“It’s uncertain if she is coming back for the Australian Open. For sure she’s started practising already. I’m not sure how she is now after motherhood. But she is going to be dangerous if she plays the Australian Open.

Meanwhile, Pliskova along with Ostapenko and Konta gave alms to monks on a beach on Saturday’s morning. Ostapenko, Konta and Halep opened a clinic for local youngsters later in the day.

nationthailand