ONCE AGAIN! Karolina Pliskova Upsets Topseed Aryna Sabalenka at the National Bank Open 2021

Tennis entertainment continues to excite fans worldwide as the National Bank Open prepares to draw its curtains. So far, the tournament had undoubtedly been a power-packed competition. Now, adding to the non-stop action in Montreal was Belarusian, Aryna Sabalenka, as she took on Karolina Pliskova, for a spot in the finals.

It was all guns blazing as the two WTA giants went head to head. As predicted, the battle was fierce, as both looked to record an emphatic victory. However, given their form so far in the tournament, it would take something special for either to topple the opposite. Who would make the all-important cut?

Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

First-set triumph for Karolina Pliskova

Aryna’s youthful exuberance made her the fan-favorite. The Belarusian youngster is known for being her animated self on court. However, Karolina’s recent heroics against the World No. 3 at the 2021 Wimbledon Championship, and the Italian Open, raised concerns of an upset.

The Czech international smashed 5 aces against her counterparts 2. She dominated the first set, recording 88% wins on her first serve and 50% on her second serve. Winning three games in a row, she triumphed over the first set, moving one step closer to a full-blown shot at the title. As the scoreline read 3-6, Sabalenka’s end was near. It was now or never for the 23-year-old youngster.

Going into the second set, Sabalenka fought for a chance at resurrection, knowing well enough she had nothing to lose. Putting her A-game on display, she took the match to Pliskova, establishing authority right from the first serve.

Aryna had played in sublime form, right throughout the tournament. Notably, her straight-set victory against fellow Belarusian, Victoria Azarenka, drew attention to the top seed’s semi-final clash. However, almost down and out, was a comeback on the cards, or would she fail to replicate her recent form?

Read more: “Could Cry a River”: Bianca Andreescu in Shatters After Crashing Out, Numb During Press Conference

Not her lucky day

Despite starting strong in the second set, Aryna failed to breach Karolina’s defense. Her efforts saw her level the game on several occasions, but regardless, she couldn’t find the all-important service break. However, the World No. 6 deserved plenty of credit for her authoritative approach in the game. Courtesy of her dominant display, Aryna’s efforts for a fightback were applauded, but not rewarded with a second chance.

Karolina Pliskova once again beat World No. 3, Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-4 and cruised into the finals of the National Bank Open 2021. Establishing sheer dominance on-court and beating the top seed in straight sets, she now plays in her third big final of the season. Will she bag another accolade to her name or will she submerge under the pressure of the grand stage?