Another drop shot from Anastasija Sevastova expired in the red clay before Karolina Pliskova could reach it.

The world No. 22 used finesse and angle to bounce the second-seeded Pliskova out of Madrid, 6-3, 6-3, today.

Grudge Match: Sharapova vs. Bouchard

Pliskova didn’t play poorly, but didn’t take advantage of opportunities either. Sevastova saved all six break points she faced and beat the power player to the ball.



Sevastaova will play either 15th-seeded Czech Barbora Strycova or Spanish wild card Lara Arruabarrena next.

Pliskova’s dirt aspirations aren’t dead yet—she will play Rome and Roland Garros this month—but she conceded she’s not expecting much success for the duration of the clay-court season.

"I think right now finally I can change my expectation. I had it quite high," Pliskova told the media in Madrid. "Right now I think I'm not going to expect anything more on clay. Still have two tournaments.

"I just going to see how it goes there, try to prepare obviously for Paris. Well, I still believe I have a chance. Somehow I have to find my shape."

The US Open finalist reached semifinals or better in four of her first six tournaments this year—all on hard court—including title runs in Brisbane and Doha.

However, Pliskova has been spinning her wheels since the circuit move to clay.

She’s managed just one clay-court victory in three tournament starts in Stuttgart, Prague and Madrid.

The 6’1” Czech has scored just two match wins in five career Roland Garros appearances and her movement and footwork are still works in progress.

It all adds up to one conclusion in Pliskova's mind.

"Yeah, probably my game's not made for the clay," Pliskova said with a smile.

Photo credit: Miami Open