Veronika Kudermetova claimed her second win over Karolina Pliskova in the last three months when they met in the second round of this week’s Ostrava Open.
The Russian national struggled to overthrow second seed and home favorite Pliskova 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 at the Ostrava Open. The tennis player who had to go through qualifying, trailed a set against Pliskova before beating her after 1 hour 56 minutes.
“It is the second time we have met this season and I beat him twice. So, I thought it was a good match from my side,” said Kudermetova.
“I tried to hit all the balls, use my serve, and stay calm after losing the first set.”
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Of the three meetings they have played, the Russian national won their last two meetings including at the Cincinnati Open (Western & Southern Open) in August.
“I am more focused and might have been too rushed in the first set, but after that, I tried to think about what I have to do and what I can hope for. I think that’s the key to the match this time,” added Kudermetova.
The 23-year-old made her way through the Ostrava Open qualifiers with ease having booked a place in the main draw without dropping a set and knocking out Croatian Donna Vekic in straight sets before meeting Pliskova in the second half.
Meanwhile the host tennis player, who finished runner up in the Italian Open this season, is playing her first match since losing to Jelena Ostapenko at the French Open this season.
After securing a break point chance in his second service game, the world number 47 requested a break on medical grounds because he injured a rib. Once the match resumed the second seed won quite easily the first set.
The Russian national showed fighting power in the second set after falling behind and winning four of the next five games before finally pushing her way through the decider.
Entering the deciding set, the 23-year-old maintained momentum and even snatched a 4-1 lead.
“In the last set, I felt more confident. I focus on every point because it’s important to win the first games. It helps me to play much better,” said Veronika Kudermetova.
The world number 47 kept trying to create chances from Pliskova’s serve before claiming the win that took her to her second quarter-final of the season.
Seeking a ticket to the Ostrava Open semifinals, Kudermetova will challenge US tennis player Jennifer Brady who overcame Kudermetova’s compatriot Daria Kasatkina 7-5, 6-2.
