In their first meeting, nineteen-year-old Polish sensation left an impression. Current top ten and former number one, Karolina Pliskova, will be pondering this loss going into Roland Garros. Yet, as we know from life, some of our most painful experiences are the ones we learn the most from. Pliskova hopes that will be the case.
Swiatek Dominant On All Fronts
How do you beat a player who serves as big as Pliskova 6-0, 6-0? Iga Swiatek figured out how to so by neutralizing the power of her opponent. She mixed up the pace of her shots, changed the height on the balls, and ran down everything. The Pole used her court savvy and youthful energy to frustrate Pliskova. Usually calm under pressure, Pliskova could not find a way to capitalize on her opportunities. Still, the errors coming off her racquet were somewhat perplexing.
Pliskova Unable To Solve The Swiatek Riddle
The Czech player simply had no answer, and it did not help that she dished up a bunch of unforced errors. Errors that reflected a lack of focus. Yet, there is always more to one’s lack of focus. Was Pliskova physically exhausted, emotionally and mentally drained, or was there a limiting belief that blocked her from playing the quality tennis she is capable of playing? As a fan, you would love to know what was going through her mind as the end approached and the score remained not in her favor.
Is Iga Swiatek That Good?
Looking at the score, one could be convinced to say yes. However, Pliskova was not playing at her highest level. Why given the fact that this is a big tournament did Pliskova not compete at a higher level? When you look at the effort of Novak Djokovic who had to play two grueling matches yesterday and still mounted stern resistance against the king of clay, you wonder.
SOURCE OF IMAGES: Getty Images [main image by Clive Brunskill – Iga Swiatek]
