Karolina Pliskova an Italian Open defending champion has started her campaign in Rome with great confidence after knocking out compatriot Barbora Strycova in the second round.
The player known for his powerful hitting outperformed Strycova and controlled rallies with forehands after he struck with 26 winners and broke Strycova on four occasions en route to bagging a 6-3 6-3 win in 1 hour 15 minutes.
“It’s not an easy job but I think I played quite well and feel the ball well and I serve it pretty well. Then at important moments I just try to work on it. So the strategy is going well,” added the Czech national, Pliskova.
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The second seed arrives at the Italian Open, Roma as the defending champion. But he hopes he can find his way back to victory. He started the season winning a title in Brisbane which became the 16th title of his career. But since then he has struggled to keep a winning streak after leaving Australia.
The world number 4 must have been delighted by the solid performance he put on in the second half where he only lost his serve once and won 71 per cent of his serve points.
“I like this place and since I changed my feelings about Roma last season, I think the conditions here are good enough for me,” said Pliskova.
“I think the pitch is pretty fast and because it is so hot right now. Even hotter than April when this tournament is usually held, that I think that could be a positive thing for me. “
The second seed will next challenge Russian qualifier Anna Blinkova in the third round and look to advance to the second quarter-final this season.
Blinkova eliminated Spanish qualifier Aliona Bolsova with 4-6, 6-1, 7-6.
“The match will definitely be challenging. I thought he would be brave in firing his punches and He plays a game that is a little like mine. I have to serve well, play my game, and that way I think I can beat him, “said Pliskova.
