THE first WTA Finals semi-finalist has been determined with Anett Kontaveit winning her second match in Mexico over Karolina Pliskova. Kontaveit won in a stunning straight sets victory, whilst in the other match, Garbine Muguruza kept her hopes of a semi-finals spot alive with a come-from-behind win over Barbora Krejcikova, knocking the second seed out of contention.

Karolina Pliskova (CZE) vs. Anett Kontaveit (EST)

If anyone thought that Kontaveit’s first stunning win over Krejcikova was one of fortune, then the Estonian backed up her effort with an even more impressive blitzing of third seed Pliskova in just 57 minutes. The most in-form player on the WTA Tour, Kontaveit increased her streak to 28 wins in 30 matches, and only seems to be building momentum, running out 6-4 6-0 in a mind-boggling effort of sheer dominance. Trailing 0-3 in a head-to-head, Kontaveit’s form outweighed Pliskova’s history, made all the more impressive by the fact Pliskova had knocked off Muguruza in the opening match of the tournament.

In an even first set, the signs were still there for the eighth seed, serving at 63.3 per cent, and winning an outstanding 78.9 and 63.6 per cent of her first and second serve points. She faced three break points the first set – after none in her entire win over Krejcikova – but saved all three, whilst breaking Pliskova for the first set. She only dropped eight points on serve, and looked in control throughout the early stages despite the close score.

The second set was nothing that could be considered close, with Kontaveit tightening the screws, and winning 12 of a possible 16 points on serve, and then breaking Pliskova three times for a bagel set. She served at a far higher 62.5 to 52.9 per cent, whilst the Czech by contrast also only won five of 17 points in one of her most forgettable sets in history. In fact, Pliskova won just nine points for the set, with Kontaveit storming to a victory and guaranteeing herself a place in the semi-finals.

“Of course, very thrilled to be in the semifinals,” Kontaveit said post-match. “I thought I played a very good match. I think it was very important for me to be as consistent as possible. Took some time to get used to her serves. I felt like my game was getting better and better as the match went on.

“I think I wasn’t thinking about the fact that I was 3-0 down in previous matches [against Pliskova]. I think every time you step on the court, you have a new opportunity. The previous matches don’t really matter. It’s a new day and you have to beat the player you’re playing against. That’s how I approach the match.

“I think it’s just really trusting my shots a little bit more, just going for it, but going for it with margins. I think that’s been very important, not to go for too much, but still stay aggressive and be in charge whenever possible. When it’s not possible, just stay in the rallies, be as consistent as possible.”

Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) vs. Garbine Muguruza (ESP)

Muguruza kept her hopes of a semi-finals spot in the WTA Finals alive, with a win over Krejcikova in the night session. Having to bounce back from a disappointing first set, Muguruza won 2-6 6-3 6-4 to win in two hours and 10 minutes and set up a virtual elimination final with Kontaveit in a couple of days time.

Krejcikova took the first set in a shaky start for Muguruza, breaking three times to won and serving at a higher efficiency. The second seed Czech won 58.8 and 55.6 per cent of her first and second serve points compared to the sixth seeded Spaniard with 40 and 36.4 per cent of her points. Combined with a 65.4 to 57.7 per cent efficiency, Krejcikova was the far superior player early and looking likely to keep herself in semi-finals contention.

Her more experienced opponent had other ideas however, getting back on track in the second set with two breaks from three chances, whilst saving five of Krejcikova’s break point opportunities. Both players served at above 70 per cent efficiency for the set, but the Spaniard capitalised off her serve, winning 76 per cent of her first serve points compared to Krejcikova’s 52.6 per cent.

An early break in the third set was the difference between the players as the experienced Spaniard continued the momentum with plenty of force. She had six break point chances, and whilst she could only convert one, did not face a break point herself on the back of an elite serving performance. Muguruza won 89.5 per cent of her first serve points (17 or 19) off a 73.1 per cent clip, and held off each of Krejcikova’s charges to secure the win with an important deciding set.

WTA FINALS DAY 3 RESULTS:

[8] Anett Kontaveit (EST) defeated [3] Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 6-4 6-0
[6] Garbine Muguruza (ESP) defeated [2] Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) 2-6 6-3 6-4

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