Ashleigh Barty beats Karolina Pliskova to win Miami Open
Australia's Ashleigh Barty overcame fifth seed Karolina Pliskova 7-6, 6-3 to win her maiden Miami Open title. With this victory she become the first Australian woman since 2013 to enter the WTA top 10 ranking. This is a huge moment for Barty, who produced some breathtaking tennis throughout the tournament in Miami. Here's more.
How did the finale pan out?
Barty, who is Australia's number one tennis player. was 3-1 down against Pliskova in the opening set. She responded with some excellent shot-making and forced a tiebreak. Barty was too heavy for the Czech world No.7 as she won six straight points to pocket the first-set. Pliskova failed to rise tall in the second after Barty gained a significant 3-1 advantage.
It was important to make it physical, says Barty
Barty, who fed on Pliskova's fatigue said, "It was important to make it physical. I knew I had to have my running shoes on today and make as many balls as possible. You don't get these opportunities often so I needed to do the right things and enjoy the moment." Looking back at the tourney Barty added, "It's been a phenomenal two weeks."
A special moment for 22-year-old Barty
Pliskova will rise to world number four on Monday in the WTA Rankings. "I'll make it quick because I'm very tired and it was a long two weeks. Congrats to Ashleigh. She played incredible all week," the 27-year-old said. Barty pocketed $US1.3 million ($1.83million) pay cheque after conquering Miami in style. She became the fifth different Miami Open champion in the last five years.
Federer, Isner to battle it out in men's finale
Roger Federer will be aiming to seal the deal in Miami after losing in the final of the Indian Wells weeks back. He will face big-serving American John Isner. The match is scheduled for a 10:30 PM IST start and will be telecast live on Sony Ten network. Isner, who comes in as the defending champion, will be eager to stop Federer's march.
