Before Karolina Pliskova saw her run in Wuhan end early at the hands of Wang Qiang, the Czech tennis player spoke to CGTN Sports Scene on Beyond the Baseline to talk about her recent win in Japan and the current level of competition on the WTA Tour.
Last week, she overpowered current US Open champion Naomi Osaka to win the Pan Pacific Open title in Japan, breaking the hearts of the home crowd in Japan.
Pliskova said, "I was a bit concerned as I was in Japan, where she has become really famous these days after she won the US Open. She is a very good player. She won a lot this year. We played in Indiana wells too. So it was really a tough battle."
Karolina Pliskova of Czech reacts against Qiang Wang of China during 2018 Wuhan Open in Wuhan, China, September 25, 2018. /VCG Photo
"Also a final is not a match. She was a bit tired after playing and winning so many matches. I was tired too after winning quite a few matches. So I am quite happy that I got the title."
Pliskova had a tough and grueling match against the home favorite Osaka but the 26-year-old Czech didn't quite feel the pressure.
"I think the Japanese crowd is not that bad. I think they are quite nice. Of course they were supporting her but I didn't feel like they hate me," she added.
"Anyway, for me it doesn't matter which player or which country. So I was happy to get a title."
Pliskova has won a few titles this season but her performances at the Grand Slam events appear quite lackluster.
"Actually, in all the Grand Slams this year I lost to the top players. I lost to Serena, Sharapova. So it was a tough draw and I was fighting some tough rounds in the first few rounds of a few tournaments. I have still some matches and tournaments left for this season and I am looking forward to it. I am hoping to play at the Masters in Singapore."
Karolina Pliskova poses with her trophy after winning singles final against Naomi Osaka during the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Japan, September 23, 2018. /VCG Photo
The recent US Open final between Osaka and Serena was quite eventful and Pliskova felt that the sport has evolved a lot over the years.
"I think the women's tennis has been really very competitive and close. Nowadays, every week there is a different winner in a tournament. So there are chances for everybody. There are a few new young players like Naomi coming up."
"I am also playing very good tennis and without fear. So it's pretty open. I think Simona (Halep) is still the best. She is number one and she is leading by a lot of points but the top ten now is very close. It's very open as I can climb up in the rankings if I could win a few more tournaments."