NEW YORK—The US Open women's final presents the classic contrast of Karolina Pliskova's stinging serve against Angelique Kerber's sniper return.
Australian Open champion Kerber leads the tournament with 30 service breaks; first-time major finalist Pliskova pounded seven of her 39 aces stunning world No. 1 Serena Williams, 6-2, 7-6 (5) in the semifinals.
Kerber says she must play with more aggression than she did in Pliskova's 6-3, 6-1 conquest in the Cincinnati final last month to prevail in the US Open final rematch. Kerber won just 17 of 35 first-serve points and dropped serve five times in Cincinnati, two stats she must significantly improve tomorrow.
"I think my serve have to be very good," Kerber said. "I have to move good, as well, to bring a lot of balls back, and playing also more aggressive like I played in Cincinnati. I was just pushing too much the balls there, so I think I will change this a little bit.
"Go for it, being aggressive. Yeah, I hope my serve will be good on Saturday."
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