Italian Open 2020: Pliskova, Halep and Vondrousova reach semifinals

Italian Open 2020 quarters saw Pliskova and Vondrousova bagel their opponents in the final set, cruising past to the semis. Further, Putintseva retired with pain, enabling Halep to grab a place in semis.

Pliskova bagels Mertens

Karolina Pliskova defeats Elise Mertens in three sets grabbing her spot in the semis with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 victory over the eleventh seed. The Brisbane champion dictated the opener. However, her opponent bounced back on the second only to gear her up for reeling off all the six games in the deciding set. She struck 34 winners to her opponent’s 22 and made 24 unforced errors to Mertens’ 30.

“I think I played a great match. Even the second set I think there was some good moments,” Pliskova said in her post-match press conference, speaking from Rome via video chat.

FS Video

“But just started way too strong in the third, and I think definitely was maybe one of the best matches of course of this season, but it’s not so difficult because there was not many matches. I felt great. Especially the first set I think was maybe one of my best sets that I have played on clay ever.” she added.

Halep cruises past Putintseva

Simona Halep sailed to the semi-finals of the Italian Open with a 6-2, 2-0 win as Yulia Putintseva retired due to a recurring lower back pain. The persisting pain led her to discontinue with the battle and declare retirement.

Halep next faces Garbine Muguruza in the semis.

Vondrousova outshines Svitolina

Marketa Vondrousova aces past two-time champion Elina Svitolina with an emphatic 6-3, 6-0 victory. The 80 minutes of stunning performance saw a superfluity of breakpoints in the opening set which the seed 12 aced advantageously. She sprinted through the second set confidently using her diverseness effectively handing out a bagel to seal the deal. Overall, Vondrousova hit 25 winners, almost the triple to Svitlona’s 9.

“I think I played an amazing match today. I didn’t even expect this, but I’m just happy to be through and happy with this win,” Vondrousova said post-match.

“I didn’t do so many errors, and I hit so many great drop shots. I also served really well, and overall, I think I played a great match today,” she added.

She further remarked on her opponent, “She’s a great player and she beat me three times already. She’s a great runner, she hits hard and serves really well, but I think I just played better today.”

Also Read: Italian Open 2020: Victoria Azarenka crashes out against Garbine Muguruza