Australian Open: Pilskova stuns Serena, Osaka advances

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Former world number one Karolina Pliskova scripted a fairytale comeback to knock 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams out of the Australian Open this morning.

The seventh-seeded Czech pulled off a miracle 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 victory from the jaws of a defeat after being 1-5 down in the third and decisive set in the quarterfinal at Rod Laver Arena.

In fact, the former world no. 1 and 16th seeded Williams, who was gunning for a milestone 24th Grand Slam triumph after making a return to the tour following the birth of her daughter, also saved two match points in the last game but netted on the third as her big-serving opponent accomplished one of the greatest comeback stories of all-time in the history of any tennis major.

Serena Williams of the United States shows her frustration against Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic during day 10 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. /VCG Photo

“She improved her game in the second set. She was playing very well, went for her shots. I was a bit passive,” a jubilant Pliskova remarked in a post-match interview.

“My mind wasn't in the locker room, I was still here. I was a bit passive. But I said 'let's try this game'. I took my chances and I won,” she added.

Pliskova will now take on last year's US Open Naomi Osaka, who sensationally beat Serena at Flushing Meadows to earn her maiden Grand Slam title in 2018, in the semifinal. The Japanese 4th seed had earlier blown away Elina Svitolina 6-4 6-1 to reach the semis.

The 21-year-old committed a string of unforced errors but still managed to get better of the sixth-seeded Ukrainian in order to reach the Australian Open semifinal for the first time in her career.

Naomi Osaka of Japan wins her quarterfinal match against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine at Melbourne Park. /VCG Photo

Osaka's wrapped up the match in an hour and 12 minutes to emulate the record of becoming the first Japanese woman to reach the last four at Melbourne Park since Kimiko Date in 1994.

While talking about her rival in the final four, Osaka said, “I have played her (Pliskova) a couple times already. She's really tough to play.”

“I can barely read her serve, so it's very difficult for me.”

The other semifinal in the women's draw will feature an unseeded American Danielle Collins and two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.