It’s Czech mate as Pliskova beats her compatriot Martincova to cruise into round 4 on Court 2
Karolina Pliskova v Teresa Martincova
6-3, 6-3
Karolina Pliskova overcame her Czech compatriot in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 on Court 2 to open day five at the All England Club.
It was a case of who could out-power each other’s thunderous forehands, and who could come up with a degree of shot variety, be it, deft drop shots, and the occasional, medium-placed cross-court effort, that would leave their opponent drained, frustrated and ultimately defeated.
Eighth seed Pliskova showed she had that variety in her armoury and it was reflected in the relatively straight-forward victory.
The right-handler has matched her best Wimbledon result – before going out on the past two championships at the fourth stage.
With about £18million in her back pocket from career prize money to fall back on should she fail again, the former number one player in the world will nevertheless be hoping that this will be her year to progress deeper into the tournament.
It took just one hour and 38 minutes to see off Martincova, who has the power, but lacks the necessary stamina that breeds confidence when she inevitably loses the first set.
Mind you there was one spectator who took an hour and 15 minutes to apply make-up on her face.
I’m not sure which of the two showed the greater determination and literally showed application.
My money was on the spectator.