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Pliskova cruises into Open quarter-finals

Czech seventh seed Karolina Pliskova has beaten Garbine Muguruza in straight sets to move into the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic celebrates her victory.
Feeling better with every match she plays: Karolina Pliskova. (AAP)

Karolina Pliskova is through to her third successive Australian Open quarter-final after breezing past former Wimbledon and French Open champion Garbine Muguruza.

The Czech seventh seed needed just an hour to get past the world No.18 6-3 6-1 in Monday's fourth round.

Chasing her first grand slam title, Pliskova hasn't lost this year and is riding a nine-match winning streak that included a second Brisbane title earlier this month.

The 2016 US Open runner-up will meet seven-time Australian Open champion Serena Williams for a place in the final four.

Williams defeated Pliskova in straight sets in their quarter-final at Flushing Meadows last year.

"I didn't play well that match, so for sure would be good revenge to play her again," Pliskova said.

"I think I'm playing a little bit better than I was last year.

"Of course if Serena is playing at her best, then it's tough because she can serve, put a lot of pressure on her returns.

"But she can also miss. So we will see."

Pliskova, who recently added former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez to her team, was clinical from the back of court against Muguruza.

The 26-year-old hit 23 winners and a mere three unforced errors and only lost seven points on serve.

"I feel better with every match when I play here," Pliskova said.

"The beginning was a bit nervous from us both. It's a little bit windy here so the conditions are tricky sometimes with the shadows too but I'm just happy that I'm through."

The defeat continues a tough run at the majors for Muguruza, who was knocked out in the second round at Wimbledon and the US Open last year.

"I struggled a little bit with the heat or the conditions. I don't know. I felt it was a little bit heavy today," the Spaniard said.

"She was playing very well and finding her shots, especially with the serve in the good moments."


2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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