Tennis News: Venus Williams was knocked out by Karolina Pliskova in the Cincinnati opener
World No. 17 Karolina Pliskova began her Cincinnati Open campaign with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over American legend Venus Williams at Lindner Family Tennis Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 17
Venus Williams was knocked out by Karolina Pliskova in the Cincinnati opener2016 Cincinnati champion Karolina Pliskova arrived at the WTA 1000 event, advancing to the semifinals last week.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams began the match aggressively and faced no breakpoints in the first three service games. She raced to a 4-2 lead in the opening set, but Karolina Pliskova broke back to make it 4-4 and won 11 of the next 13 games.
The 30-year-old Czechian failed to convert on two set point opportunities during the first set tiebreak but converted on her third opportunity to clinch the first set 7-5.
Venus Williams saved three points in the fourth game of the second set to break the rhythm of Karolina Pliskova. However, the Czechian immediately composed herself and 12 of the last 16 points to secure his victory.
Karolina Pliskova served eight aces, won 71% of the points on the first serve and broke the American four times from three opportunities compared to two aces, 62% of the points on the first serve, and one breakpoint by Serena Williams.
After the victory, Karolina Pliskova said, "She played really good in the first set. I was actually close to losing the first set because she was really playing well. But I thought the longer the match goes, the bigger chance should be for me. "
The victory improved the win-loss record of Karolina Pliskova against Venus Williams to 3-1, with two of the wins coming in straight sets.
Karolina Pliskova is in the tough half of the draw. She will next lock horns with Elise Mertens in a second-round clash on August 17.
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