German Angelique Kerber becomes new world No.1 and celebrates by beating Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 to reach final.
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Like Saturday, there was a title at stake. This is Pliskova’s first Grand Slam semifinals.
“I mean, there is not more than to beat both sisters in one tournament in NY”, said Pliskova.
“Here I have one day off so I can really prepare for the final against Pliskova”.
All in all, it’s been quite a special 2016 for Kerber.
Pliskova, now 24, was just seven years old when Williams won her first grand slam at the US Open in 1999, and admits it was a dream to follow in her footsteps. The Dane tried to fight back in the second set saving two set points with winners of her own, but it was a little too late as Kerber powered to a 5-1 lead that all but secured her place in the final.
The keys will be a sharp serve and an aggressive attack, unlike in Cincinnati where she was “just pushing the balls”.
“I think if she had played any less then maybe I would have had a chance”.
The Czech added that once she had beaten Venus she felt she was playing good tennis and felt undaunted going forward.
It is the second consecutive year that Williams has crashed out of the U.S. tournament at the semifinal stage in surprise circumstances, after Roberta Vinci beat her in 2015.
The German tennis player became the official 22nd player in history who occupies the No.1 position on the WTA tour. “To be No 1 in the world, it sounds wonderful”. “That was my first match on centre court”. I wasn’t at 100 per cent, but I also think she played well.
“In Cincinnati, I knew Angie. kind of felt some pressure there”, said Pliskova. “Even if I don’t get it, it’s a big result”. “I always knew I have a chance to beat anybody if I’m playing my game”.
The match offers an intriguing contrast in styles.
Case for Pliskova: The Czech Republic player has three things that can trump experience: some serious momentum, a huge serve and unswerving nerve. She was also chasing a 23rd Grand Slam title that would have taken her beyond Graf.
The 5-foot-8 Kerber, meanwhile, is terrific at retrieving and counter-punching, dropping down to a knee at times along the baseline to get balls back. I tried not to think of the match between Serena and Pliskova.
Kerber is known for her excellent return game.
Pliskova, meanwhile, is now one victory from her first, and on Thursday night, she certainly looked the part of an up-and-comer with the strokes and demeanor to go far.
Kerber, the women’s singles silver medalist at the Rio Olympics and Wimbledon runner-up, made just 16 unforced errors, 10 fewer than her opponent, and forced Wozniacki to step out of her comfort zone and go on the attack more than she habitually does.
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Angelique Kerber of Germany celebrates defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark during their 2016 US Open Women’s Singles semifinal match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in NY on Friday. This US Open final will be a shot at retribution.
