Pliskova comes from behind to reach final

karolinapliskova

The Czech world number 30 has been the only seed left in the WTA International hard-court event since the quarter-finals and remains on course to win her second event in as many months following a 2-6 6-3 6-3 triumph on Saturday.

After squandering two break points in the opening game, Korea Open winnner Pliskova lost four on the bounce as she fell to a convincing first-set defeat.

However, her response was strong as she hit back on German qualifier Friedsam's serve at the beginning of the second before causing her opponent to defend a further seven break points.

Pliskova delivered on the seventh to pull herself back on terms, and overcame an early break in the decider by winning five games in a row to put the match to bed.

Her victory sets up a clash with Italy's Camila Giorgi, who qualified for her second final of the season with a 6-4 6-2 victory over compatriot Karin Knapp.

A series of upsets and injuries had left Giorgi as the second-highest ranked player left in the competition, and she could yet claim her first WTA Tour crown.

An early break in the opening set proved enough for Giorgi to move into the lead and, after going 2-0 down in the second, the world number 42 won six successive games to reach the final.

Giorgi is yet to drop a set in this year's tournament.

Author(s)