Italian Open 2020: Simona Halep vs Karolina Pliskova Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
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First-seed and two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep will be up against second-seed and defending champion Karolina Pliskova in the summit clash of the Italian Open 2020. In what can be termed as the ‘clash of titans’, both the players will look to add another glorious chapter in their rivalry, which is arguably one of the best in WTA tennis in its recent history.
Talking about the road to the final, Simona Halep did not even lose a set before meeting 9th-seed Garbine Muguruza in the semifinal. The 28-year old Romanian before her last-four clash, looked fluent and consistent. However, the World No.2 had to literally play out of her skin to overcome Muguruza 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in a grueling encounter to book a spot in the championship match at the WTA Premier 5 event.
On the other hand, Pliskova, despite struggling with poor form before this tournament, has found her mojo just in time. The 28-year old Czech, like Halep, has lost just one set in the entire event. The World No.4’s match in the semifinal could not have been easier as she thrashed compatriot and 12th-seed Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets 6-2, 6-4. Pliskova is looking primed to defend her crown won in 2019 in Rome.
Simona Halep vs Karolina Pliskova: Head-to-Head
As already said above, it is one of the most epic rivalries going around in the women’s tennis. Halep and Pliskova have faced each other as many as 11 times prior to their clash in final in Rome. The Romanian leads the head-to-head record 7-4. Last time both the women played against each other was in Round 1 of the WTA Finals in 2019. That contest was a perfect thriller as Pliskova overcame the challenge of Halep in a closely-fought, three-set marathon match 6-0, 2-6, 6-4.
Simona Halep vs Karolina Pliskova: Prediction
Another marathon encounter is on the cards. Both the athletes have looked nearly flawless throughout the tournament and it is really, really difficult to predict the winner. The only thing which gives Halep an edge over her Czech counterpart is her better form before entering the event.
Having said that, Halep did not travel to America and it is wrong to compare the form of two athletes if they haven’t participated in the same tournaments. Still, it looks like the Romanian might edge past Pliskova and lift the coveted title in Foro Italico.
Italian Open 2020 Champion Prediction: Simona Halep defeats Karolina Pliskova in a ‘contest for the ages’ that is certain to go the distance.
Also Read: Italian Open 2020: Karolina Pliskova in the finals after winning against Marketa Vondrousova
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Kushagra Gupta
(349 Articles Published)