Western & Southern Open, Ohio 

Women’s Final: [2] Angelique Kerber (GER) vs. [17] Karolina Pliskova (CZE)

Kerber led their head-to-head 4:2.  She has won their last two encounters, which happened to have been finals.  Which one of these players was feeling the most pressure?  The odds were stacked against Pliskova.  Their last two matches had gone the distance in favor of Kerber; thus, I expected this final to be a battle.  A lot was at stake for Kerber, if she won, she would be the new number one ranked player on the WTA Tour. Pliskova is known for her big serve; however, given the fact that she is not a great mover, I expected Kerber to make her move more and come out victorious.  Yet, it was Pliskova who dictated play with her power on serve and off the ground.  She kept Kerber frustrated and won easily 6-3, 6-1.

CILIC WINS FIRST MASTERS 1000 TITLE

Men’s Final: [2] Andy Murray (GBR) vs. [14] Marin Cilic (CRO)

No way was Cilic supposed to win this match.  Murray has dominated their encounters 11:2; however, a focused Cilic is dangerous.  He was on a mission; win his first ATP Masters 1000 title.  If Marin was going to win this, his chance at doing so would be increased if he won in straight sets.  Despite the fatigue, Murray is still a dangerous opponent; however, today he just seemed flat.  Cilic was crisp and dripping confidence as he went for his shots.  There was a little stumble, but it was not enough to deter him from claiming his third victory against Murray. He won 6-4, 7-5.