Former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova had to put in a lot of effort to win her first match of the season and go to the Credit One Charleston Open Round of 16.
Pliskova, the No. 3 seed from the Czech Republic, took almost two days to beat Ukraine’s Katarina Zavatska by the scores of 5-7, 7-5, 6-4.
Pliskova was forced to sit out the first two months of the season after hurting her right hand during a practice session prior to the Australian Open. Pliskova, the World No. 7 when she returned in March, lost her first two matches in Indian Wells and Miami.
The tennis star, on the other hand, won her first match since the year-ending Akron WTA Finals last season with a comeback victory over Zavatska.
Pliskova’s dismal start to the year was nearly extended by Zavatska. Zavatska, the world No. 215 who entered Charleston on a protected ranking, took the opening set on Tuesday before rain forced a day-long break at 3-2 in the second set.
Zavatska, who is still looking for her maiden Top 50 triumph, got off to a great start on Wednesday, taking the second set by a break and serving for the match at 5-4. Pliskova was two points away from losing in the final set, but she fought back to win the final three games and bring the match to a decider.
Four consecutive breaks in the third set did little to change the scenario, but at 5-4, Pliskova seized the opportunity, driving Zavatska’s backhand into errors to gain one more service break and secure the long-awaited victory.
