A turnaround and the scalp of a big favourite. Pliskova turns around her match against Sabalenka and advances to the Wimbledon final

Another Grand Slam, another Czech attack on the title. This time it will be Karolina Pliskova who will play for the dream trophy.In the semifinals she defeated Sabalenka, whom she finally beat 2:1 (5-7, 6-4, 6-4). She will play for the biggest title of her career against Australian Barty.

Even the start of the match was of a high standard. Both players served well and put down one winning shot after another. Surprisingly, Pliskova was able to match the stronger player and was even the better player in the exchanges.

The opening set was heading into its final set at 5-5. Pliskova won more break points, but she didn’t use them either. All 8 were unfortunately wasted. Sabalenka took a 6-5 lead, and that upset the Czech.

She then bricked several exchanges, offered her opponent a set point and came under huge pressure. She then made a double fault at the worst possible moment and the Belarusian took the evenly-matched first set 7-5.

90% of the players would have broken mentally at this moment. However, Pliskova showed that she has come a huge way in this tournament. She continued to play her tennis, her serve was great, she was more accurate and continued to outplay her opponent.

At 2-2 in the second set, the Czech then took more break points and finally broke her opponent. She continued to hold her serve comfortably and the 2nd set was close. Even though Sabalenka resisted, Pliskova pulled through and won the 2nd set 6-4.

This great semifinal was heading into the deciding set. Pliskova had the momentum on her side and immediately took advantage. The frustrated Belarusian was able to take the serve immediately and got an important break.

Victory was coming, but it was far from decided. Pliskova stayed very focused, continued her great performance and didn’t give her opponent a chance to get back into the match.

Then, when the chance came, she helped herself with a cannonball serve. However, Pliskova held on and completed a fabulous turnaround. She eventually defeated Sabalenka 5-7, 6-4 and 6-4 and sensationally advanced to the Wimbledon final.

In the final, she will play Barty, who has matured against Kerber. The Czech will play for the Grand Slam title for the second time. Her first attempt failed in the 2016 US Open final.

At the same time, she continues the trend of Czech toys at Grand Slams this year. After Muchova’s great run at the Australian Open (semifinals) and Krejcikova’s famous triumph at Rolland Garros (title), Wimbledon will be very successful from the Czech perspective. It should be noted that this is a very pleasant change.

Source: Wimbledon