ITALIAN Camila Giorgi has taken out the biggest title win of her career in a huge straight sets upset of Karolina Pliskova, downing the Czech fourth seed 6-3 7-5 in one hour and 40 minutes to claim the National Bank Open trophy.

Recent history appeared to repeat itself, as the unseeded Italian fired on all cylinders throughout the encounter, building off a strong week on hard court and confidence from her two prior wins against Pliskova this season to snag the result. In an emphatic start from both players, Giorgi took control midway through the first set and showed no signs of backing down, breaking from 3-3 to weather the storm of Pliskova’s strong serve and take out the first set.

A dream 3-1 start to the second set credit to a couple of errant Pliskova double faults was exactly what Giorgi required, however the Czech is not a former world number one for no reason, and capitalised right back to gain momentum, draw level and pile the pressure onto the Italian. But while Pliskova gained momentum, she was unable to really shift it her way as Giorgi continued to press her case and eventually claimed the title.

Both players hit the same amount of double faults, though Giorgi registered three more aces (7-4) and also hit more winners (16-13) and less unforced errors (27-34). Giorgi also won 71.4 per cent of her first serve points and 55.6 per cent of her second serve points, only facing two break points and saving one.

Giorgi captured her third WTA Tour-level trophy in the process, and first at WTA 1000 level – prior to this result, the Italian had never claimed a title above 250 level, and not since 2018. She also became the first Italian and lowest ranked player to win the title since then-80th ranked Serena Williams in 2011, and is set to rise into the top 35 for the first time since 2019.

NATIONAL BANK OPEN FINAL RESULT: 

Camila Giorgi (ITA) defeated [4] Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 6-3 7-5

Picture credit: Pascal Ratthé / Tennis Canada