Karolina Pliskova continued her dominance against Garbine Muguruza with an epic three-set win at the WTA Finals.
Pliskova outlasted former world number one Muguruza 4-6 6-2 7-6 (8-6) as the year-ending WTA Finals got underway in Guadalajara on Wednesday.
The first WTA Finals hosted in Latin America, third seed Pliskova prevailed in a third-set tie-break for her ninth victory over two-time grand slam champion Muguruza – her best professional record against an opponent on Tour.
After a slow start, sixth seed and Spanish star Muguruza finished strongly to claim the opening set of the Group Teotihuacan contest under the Guadalajara lights midweek.
Pliskova – the most experienced player in this year’s field with her fourth consecutive Finals appearance – raced out to a 3-0 lead in the second set and it was an advantage she never relinquished.
The pair went toe-to-toe in the final set as a tie-break loomed after Muguruza saved two match points in the 10th game.
Pliskova, however, was not to be denied as Muguruza lost a third-set tie-break on hard courts for the first time since January 2014.
WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS
Pliskova –
Muguruza –
ACES/DOUBLE FAULTS
Pliskova – 8/9
Muguruza – 8/3
BREAK POINTS WON
Pliskova – 20/34
Muguruza – 23/33