Pliskova Powers Past Steady Wozniacki to Win WTA Doha

Former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki did her scrambling backboard best, but it wasn’t enough to contain the next generation of power players on Sunday in Doha.
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No. 2 seed Karolina Pliskova continued her climb up the WTA rankings as the Czech subdued the Dane 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the Qatar Total Open for her eighth career title.

“I think I’m having a great start to the year, which is always important,” Pliskova said. “To beat players like [Dominika] Cibulkova and Wozniacki is something amazing. I’ve never beat them before, but I was trying really hard this week so I’m really happy with my wins here.”

Pliskova collected her second title of 2017 after never having beaten Wozniacki in three previous meetings.

The Czech took a 4-0 lead in the first set, and in the second broke serve in the final game. Pliskova slapped 27 winners to nine for Wozniacki, who made only five unforced errors.

“It’s been a great week, despite the tough conditions for all of us,” Wozniacki said of the rainy week. “To be here in the final is something to be really proud of, the way I’ve been playing this week. I’m very disappointed with the loss but Karolina was playing really well. She deserved this one, but I’m going to try to get my revenge next time.”

Pliskova improved to 8-10 in career finals, and 2-0 this year after winning Brisbane. Wozniacki is now 25-18 in career finals.