Pliskova defeats Vondrousova to set up No 1 vs No 2 final in Rome

Karolina Pliskova crushes Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets during semi-final action in Rome on Sunday. Pliskova is through to a marquee matchup with Simona Help in Monday’s title tilt.

Karolina Pliskova Karolina Pliskova
  • Internazionali BNL d’Italia semi-final

  • Pliskova d. Vondrousova 6-2, 6-4

  • Key info: Pliskova is one win away from defending her 2019 Rome title
  • You will also learn: The top two seeds will headline Monday’s championship match
  • Why you should read this story: It sets the stage for a blockbuster battle between Pliskova and Simona Halep

Clay is thought to be Karolina Pliskova’s worst surface, but she is one win away from making it back-to-back titles at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. Pliskova earned a return trip to the Rome final by beating Marketa Vondrousova in easy straight sets on Sunday. The Czech needed one hour and 22 minutes to advance.

Pliskova powers through semi-final

The world No 4 fired six aces and was especially impressive on return, breaking Vondrousova on five occasions. Pliskova had chances in the second game before earning the breakthrough at 2-1 of the first set without any trouble. A tougher game with Vondrousova serving at 2-5 went to three deuces, with Pliskova eventually converting her third set point. The 2019 Roland-Garros runner-up at least managed to make the second set more interesting, as she led by a break early and then recovered from a break down to reach 4-4. With the pressure on at 4-5, however, Vondrousova could not deliver a necessary hold. Pliskova’s fifth break of the afternoon wrapped things up in style.

Final vs Halep

Next up for Pliskova is No 1 seed Simona Halep, who battled past Garbine Muguruza 6-2, 6-4 earlier on Sunday. Halep, who is on a 13-match winning streak, is through to the Rome final for the third time in her career. The Romanian previously finished runner-up in 2017 and 2018, both times to Elina Svitolina.

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