Top seed Karolina Pliskova stormed into the second round of the 2017 US Open with an emphatic 6-2, 6-1 win over Magda Linette on Tuesday. The world no. 1 put forth an extreme masterclass, dominating the 72nd-ranked Linette right from the get-go and finishing the match in just one hour and 18 minutes. Pliskova hit a whopping 29 winners in that straight-sets victory.
Next up for Pliskova is a round-of-64 clash with hometown favorite Nicole Gibbs. Pliskova will fancy her chances in this second-round clash as she has fared extremely well against Gibbs in the past. The Czech star is 2-1 in her career against Gibbs. Pliskova even recorded a double-bagel against Gibbs in their last meeting at the Sydney Championships two years ago. For Pliskova to extend her dominance against Gibbs, she needs to continue her excellent play on the service end. She won 77 percent of her first serve points in the win against Linette. Pliskova also hammered eight aces in that first-round encounter.
Nicole Gibbs moved into the second round of the 2017 US Open with a wild 6-0, 1-6, 6-1 win over Veronica Cepede Royg on Tuesday. It was a gritty performance by Gibbs who needed one hour and 56 minutes to record the three-set win. With the victory, Gibbs advanced past the first round of the US Open for the fourth straight year.
Waiting in the next round for Gibbs is the big-serving Karolina Pliskova. This will be the first meeting between Gibbs and Pliskova in a Grand Slam tournament. For Gibbs to record the all-important victory this coming Thursday, she needs to continue her excellent return play and put pressure on Pliskova’s serve. Gibbs won 51 percent of her receiving points against Cepede Royg with the American converting five of her eight break point chances.
Writer’s Prediction
Pliskova (-1,500) breezes past Gibbs in straight sets.
