By Erik Gudris | Friday, August 19, 2016
Garbine Muguruza reached the final four in Cincinnati where she will face Karolina Pliskova.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Most of the talk in Cincinnati has been about Angelique Kerber winning the title and possibly becoming the new WTA No. 1. But several players still have a good shot raising the trophy.
WTA: Kerber Battles Back to Reach Cincy Semis
That includes No. 4 seed Garbine Muguruza who powered her way into the Western and Southern Open semifinals on Friday. Though she has been flying under the radar a bit in the draw, the recent French Open winner is excited to be in the semis.
“I’m very excited that I'm in the semifinals here because, well, didn't win a lot of matches here in the past. I think was a tough match. Was very equal. Maybe couple of serves, couple of returns make the difference.”
Muguruza faced off against qualifier Timea Babos in their quarterfinal. Murugurza missed on several break point chances early in the first set.
“That's the type of game where you have to be there. You have to be concentrated. Because I could win the last game. I could have a break, but that's like a test. You know, you have to get over that test,” Muguruza said. “It's one the toughest moments where you have to show, Hey, I'm a good player. I'm going to fight here. Doesn't matter if you had your chance or whatever, I'm back.”
Muguruza passed that test to go on and take the first set 6-4. The Spaniard saved all three break points against her in the match to eventually go on and complete the 6-4, 6-3 win.
Cincinnati is the first semifinal for Muguruza since Roland Garros.
Waiting for here there is Karolina Pliskova. The big-serving Czech had a tougher quaterfinal battle against No. 7 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova earlier in the day.
Pliskova used her big serve and forehand to take the opening set in a first time meeting with the Russian veteran. Kuznetsova secured an early break in the second set. The Russian held on to her advantage and claimed the set to force a decider.
Pliskova again resumed control by taking control of the middle of the court and forcing Kuznetsova on the run in their rallies. Pliskova gained an early service break and never looked back. Pliskova capitalized on Kuznetsova errors in the final game to clinch the 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 win.
“I can serve big in the important moments which is good, but I have to get high with the percentage,” Pliskova said after reaching her fifth semifinal of the year. “Still happy with the serve. I think it's still winning the matches for me, so still the biggest weapon. Happy that in the end it's always closing the matches.”
Pliskova now looks ahead to the challenge of playing Muguruza for a spot in the final.
“Yeah, it's a big challenge. She's been playing so far amazing. She is having great tournaments, great victories, so it's going to be tough. I think we have a similar game. Both serving and playing fast from the baseline. It's going to be about few points. I want to keep focus on my serve this time, and hopefully I can get the win.”