Pliskova fires Wimbledon warning with Eastbourne triumph

Monday, 1 July 2019 00:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Germany’s Angelique Kerber, Devonshire Park, Eastbourne, Britain, 29 June – Action Images via Reuters

Reuters: Karolina Pliskova warmed up for Wimbledon in the best possible fashion on Saturday by powering past Angelique Kerber 6-1 6-4 to win the Eastbourne title.

The Czech second seed claimed her second career title at Eastbourne without dropping a set all week, and reigning Wimbledon champion Kerber had no answer to her opponent’s powerful serve and precise forehand.

Pliskova, who sent down 33 winners and seven aces en route to winning her third title of the year, said she was pleased at the level she had reached ahead of Wimbledon. “All week I was playing quite perfect tennis and didn’t drop a set,” Pliskova said. “Angelique for sure is one of the best grass court players. It’s my third final and in two of them I have won. I just enjoy myself here.”

It was a third consecutive defeat in an Eastbourne final for Kerber, who nonetheless heads into Wimbledon after a solid grass court campaign.

The German will face compatriot Tatjana Maria in her first match at Wimbledon on Tuesday, while Pliskova takes on China’s Zhu Lin on Monday.