Share

Pliskova takes Qatar Open title

Doha - Karolina Pliskova beat Caroline Wozniacki for the first time in her career to claim the Qatar Open title on Saturday.

The powerful Czech won in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 for her eighth WTA title and her second of the year, after her victory at the Brisbane International last month.

It was the first Qatar title for the world number three and confirms the 24-year-old's growing reputation as many see her as a potential Grand Slam title winner.

"It's amazing, it means so much to me to win the tournament," she said afterwards.

"It was an unusual week for me, it was not easy with all the stoppages."

Pliskova hit 27 winners and four aces in a match which she controlled from the beginning, after breaking Wozniacki in her first two service games.

Her win was even more impressive given her late arrival in Qatar.

Pliskova only arrived in Doha after helping defending champions the Czech Republic into the Fed Cup semi-finals last weekend.

Then her matches in Qatar were delayed by the wet weather, which meant she ended up - like Wozniacki - playing her quarter-final, semi-final and the final within 24 hours of each other.

Wozniacki's defeat was the second time the Dane has lost in the Qatar Open after being defeated in straight sets by Russia's Vera Zvonareva back in 2011.

However, one consolation from her performances this week is that she is likely to move up three places in the world rankings to number 15.

Astonishingly, completion of the final on Saturday meant the tournament was able to finish on time after a week of awful weather in Qatar.

Rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the week had so delayed the schedule that organisers said on Friday that if they could not finish the tournament by Sunday there would be no winner.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE