Pliskova is driven more by proving to her “brutal critics” she was right in sticking to her style of play rather than alter it radically as the former World No. 1 dropped out of the top 10.
Australia’s Ashleigh Barty returns against Germany’s Angelique Kerber during the Wimbledon semis on Thursday. Pic/AFP
Ashleigh Barty will fulfil a childhood dream when she plays in Saturday’s Wimbledon final but Karolina Pliskova stands in her way of achieving a more significant one.
Barty is attempting to win her first Wimbledon title on the 50th anniversary of fellow indigenous Australian Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s maiden crown.
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Pliskova is driven more by proving to her “brutal critics” she was right in sticking to her style of play rather than alter it radically as the former World No. 1 dropped out of the top 10.
Whatever happens on Saturday a return to the top 10 beckons for the World No. 13 but for the keen angler the catch of the day would be her first Grand Slam title.
Evonne Goolagong Cawley
To do so she must overcome a world number one who produced her best performance yet of the fortnight in beating 2018 champion Angelique Kerber in the semi-finals.
Barty also has a firm hold on their head-to-head meetings leading Pliskova 4-2 (1-0 to Barty on grass) including their most recent meeting in Stuttgart on clay this year.
The aura of Cawley has been ever-present at the All England club with Barty wearing a specially-designed dress in tribute to the iconic scallop one that she wore in 1971. “It’s a really special anniversary for Evonne,” said Barty. “I couldn’t be more proud to be in a position to wear an outfit inspired by her.
“Now to kind of give myself a chance to create some history almost in a way that’s a tribute to her is really exciting. I couldn’t be more rapt to have that opportunity on Saturday.”
The 2019 French Open champion put her childhood dream of playing in a senior Wimbledon final—she won the junior title in 2011—into some perspective. “I wasn’t sure if it would ever happen honestly,” she said. “I think Wimbledon for me has been an amazing place of learning. Probably 2018, 2019 (3rd and 4th round exits respectively) was some of my toughest weeks playing. To come away with losses in those two tournaments, I learned a hell of a lot.
“I think a lot of the time your greatest growth comes from your darkest times. I think that’s why this tournament has been so important to me.”
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