By Chris Oddo | Monday January 16, 2016
Karolina Pliskova dropped just two games in an impressive first-rounder; Johanna Konta was nearly as impressive in her win.
Photo Source: AFP
Nobody is the favorite in this year’s Australian Open women’s draw. It’s up for grabs, haven’t you heard?
More: Serena Beats Bencic in Anticipated Opening-Round Clash
Serena Williams told the crowd that she has no expectations this year after her straight-sets win over Belinda Bencic, and in the press room at around the same time, mightily impressive Karolina Pliskova was busy telling reporters that she doesn’t feel like she’s as good as she needs to be. “I just play,” she said. “I don't feel like I would be favorite on this tournament or any Grand Slam so far. Like I said, I think there are still better players than me.”
It may be true, but it’s hard to imagine when one considers the way that the Czech blew past Sara Sorribes Tormo on Rod Laver Arena Tuesday. Pliskova’s daunting power kept the Spaniard in check throughout the 60-minute drubbing. She lost just three first serve points and absolutely thrashed the Spaniard’s second serve, winning 15 of 18 such offerings.
The aggression is nothing new, but Pliskova says that under new coach David Kotyza, she’s looking to fine-tune that aspect of her game.
“I think we have both the same way where we want to go, so he's just pushing me to play aggressive and to not be scared from anything, which today, I not that sure about it,” Pliskova said. “Yeah, and still a lot of work about all shots: forehand, backhand, serve. So a lot of things to improve. But I think they are in a good way.”
Another player on the rise and in a good way is Johanna Konta. Playing at a career-high No.9 ranking and a returning semifinalist in Melbourne, Konta eased past the tricky Kirsten Flipkens, 7-5, 6-2. Flipkens can be a nightmare to face for even the most proven professionals, so it’s a good sign that Konta was able to debunk her without too much fuss.
“Yeah, she made it difficult for me out there,” Konta said. “She's got this great ability at really frustrating her opponents with some of the balls she's able to hit. She's very creative in that way, so I think I was really happy I was able to work myself into the match and through it, to come through.”
There’s a lot to like about Konta. Problem solving, tenacity, steady improvement and—perhaps most of all—consistency. There are a lot of players on tour—both male and female—that don’t come close to bringing what Konta brings on a match-to-batch basis. It’s why she’s risen inside the Top 10 in the last 52 weeks.
But inquiring minds want to know: can she make that next level?
That’s a question for pundits, but not for Konta. If there is any player that can put the blinders on and just focus on her checklists and tactics, it’s Konta.
The Briton will be tested extensively when she meets Japan’s Naomi Osaka in the second round. But for Konta, win or lose, it’s just another test, and one that she’ll relish as such.
“She's improved a lot. I have tried to, as well. I know she plays a big game. She has big shots. I'm definitely prepared to go in for a battle.”