THE world number two, Karolina Pliskova did not muck around in her Round 1 match, quickly asserting herself on French competitor Kristina Mladenovic and making her mark on the Australian Open. The first set was clinical by Pliskova who controlled it from the get-go despite a few hiccups on the serve in the third game, recording a couple of double faults. But once she overcame those nerves she delivered some impressive shots down the line to exploit her oppositions poor positioning. She made light work of Mladenovic especially when on serve with her winning percentage sitting at 82 per cent for the game.

Her concentration dipped in the second set unable to identify the correct shots and space, while the pressure stakes rose credit to Mladenovic upping the ante. But she was quick on her feet able to get to the ball and recover time and time again. Her forehand seemed to do the most damage slicing through her French opponent while she seemed more stiff when forced to play with the backhand. Pliskova seemed to play with more freedom on the forehand able to dictate the ball placement and gain more power through that style of shot. As the match wore on she also showcased that she was not afraid to come in and play at the net, forcing Mladenovic to take the chance and get around her a daunting prospect at the best of times let alone when the match is on the line.

Credit to her experience and class, the Czech Republic star showed plenty of composure not overawed by the pressure of Mladenovic in the second set who left nothing to chance. Pliskova lifted on the serve in the second set after having issues midway through the first set with her average first serve speed sitting at 173km and her fastest at 185km highlighting the sheer power she can generate. Pliskova now moves through to the Round of 64 to play the winner of Laura Siegemund and Coco Vandeweghe.