Karolina Pliskova, former world number one, kept herself on track to a maiden Grand Slam title Monday by a “super aggressive” performance that defeated Zhang Shuai 6-1, 6-4 in Round 4 of the Australian Open.
The Czech 30th seed continued her confidence at Melbourne Park, serving 12 aces and hammering down the 23rd seed from China on Kia Arena’s show-court.
Pliskova said that she thought she started very well today and was super aggressive. She completed the first set in 21 minutes. But I was determined to win, especially in the first set. She started playing a little better, although she did slow down a little in the second set. Perhaps a little smarter.
“But I’m just glad that I made it, because the second set could go either way, I think.”
Pliskova, who had a difficult 2022 and missed the Australian Open last year due to a wrist injury, was determined to reach her 11th Grand Slam quarterfinal.
The 30-year old has won 16 WTA Tour titles, and reached the semi-final at Melbourne Park 2019.
Pliskova has yet to drop a set, and with Ons Jabeur and Iga Swiatek, the top two seeds, Pliskova, there is an opportunity to win the whole thing.
She told reporters that she believed the serve worked for her well in these matches.
“This is the best match I have played here, in my opinion, especially the first set. I feel the ball very well and that makes me happy.
Pliskova will play 45-year-old Magda Linette from Poland, who beat fourth seed Caroline Garcia of France to secure a place for the semi-final.
