In a match between two comeback kids, Karolina Pliskova stood taller to win a 10th straight match at the Brisbane International, roaring back from a set down to halt Naomi Osaka’s return to action, 3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4.
Osaka put in another strong performance in just her second match in 16 months, but Pliskova channeled a vintage serving performance to defeat the four-time Grand Slam champion after a two hour, 14-minute battle on Pat Rafter Arena.
"I like these conditions and I like to be back in Brisbane after a couple of years," Pliskova said on court after the match. "I'm happy I started here with a win. Usually I play good matches. The last match with Naomi here was over three hours...of course, the start of the season is always important. I thought I played quite well, a lot of things to improve but a good start."
Ironically, Osaka and Pliskova’s last face-off also came in Brisbane back in 2020, the last time the tournament was held before the COVID-19 pandemic caused its cancellation for the subsequent three years. In that match, Pliskova rallied from a set down to defeat Osaka en route to the title, and the former world No. 1 was charged with repeating the feat on Wednesday when Osaka similarly stormed through the opening set.
Fresh off her first win since leaving the tour in 2022 to give birth to daughter Shai, Osaka put on a stellar display to start the match, striking five aces and 13 winners to put herself within striking distance of the third round.
Pliskova was also returning to Brisbane after a lay-off, having opted to shut down her season last fall to heal a left wrist injury.
"I've done this sport for many, many years, so I'm happy to be back," said Pliskova. "I did some good training for a couple of months, so I think I'm in good shape!"
Stepping up to the pressure, she rallied from 0-40 down early in the second set to keep the match on even footing, outrallying Osaka in the ensuing tiebreaker to level the match at one set apiece.
Seeded No. 16 in Brisbane, Pliskova struck first in the decider, landing a drop shot and sweeping to net behind a strong forehand to break Osaka’s serve and save two more break points to maintain her advantage and edge within two games of victory.
Osaka looked in vain for opportunities to draw level as the four-time WTA Ace Leader thundered down her 15th ace of the contest to save her 10th break point; a 16th arrived on the way for Pliskova to hold for 5-3.
"Of course, we haven't played for a while, and you can practice as much as you want, but matches are always just a little bit different," Pliskova said. "I felt like the one game where I lost a bit of focus on my serve, but I really wanted to win so I didn't have to stay on court too much longer."
Showing no nerves when it came time to serve for the match, Pliskova rolled over the finish line with a hold to love that books her a Round of 16 encounter against either No. 3 seed Jelena Ostapenko or Camila Giorgi.
The high-quality match ultimately separated Pliskova and Osaka by just one point—101 to 100—and featured a combined 87 winners to just 36 unforced errors. Osaka will have plenty to build on after striking 14 aces of her own, but will aim to improve her play on the big points, converting just two of 12 break chances on the day.
