Tennis: Karolina Pliskova believes she can have Ash Barty’s measure

Karolina Pliskova has played Ash Barty six times and hasn’t often come out a winner, but says she’s learned some valuable intel about what she considers a weak point in Barty’s game.

Ash Barty (left) after beating Karolina Pliskova in the Miami Open in March. Picture: Getty Image

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Karolina Pliskova knows Ash Barty is her kryptonite, but she believes she has discovered a weakness to break down the Australian champion.

Pliskova has a 2-4 head-to-head record against Barty, including a defeat in the final of the Miami Open in Florida in March.

These three defeats cut deep to the Czech right-hander, but they have also given her valuable insight on the Australian world No.1.

As formidable as Barty is as a player, especially her serve, Pliskova believes the Aussie’s greatest strength can be her biggest weaknesses.

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Karolina Pliskova hits a return to Ash Barty during their WTA Championships match in China last month. Picture: AP

“Ash’s slice is great but she isn’t really going to hurt you,” Pliskova told The Sunday Telegraph.

“I beat her a couple of times and I was close to beating her in our most recent game in China.

“But she just makes you work for it. In previous games she has really used her slice well, but she can overplay it.”

Nonetheless, Pliskova has nothing but respect for Barty as a player.

“She has a different game compared to everyone else.

“She is very strong, especially her serve, which I cannot really read. She is leading the statistics in the serve and is the best in the world.

Ash Barty (left) after beating Karolina Pliskova in the Miami Open in March. Picture: Getty Images

“She can mix her serve up with slices, so I think that is her biggest weapon.”

Pliskova is coming off the best season of her career after a record four titles, including her first final in a Premier WTA.

She is happy with her achievements but far from satisfied given she is yet to win a grand slam title.

Pliskova reached the semi-finals of this year’s Australian Open, losing to eventual champion Naomi Osaka.

This loss is driving the world No.2 to finally break her slam hoodoo.

“I’ve achieved a lot but I’ve never won a grand slam, so that is my goal,” said Pliskova, who will be playing at the Brisbane International from January 6-12.

“I think I’ll receive chances to win one in the next few years.

Pliskova hits a forehand against Serena Williams at this year’s Australian Open. Pic: Michael Klein

“I was beaten in the Australian Open semi-finals this year, so hopefully I can take the next step.”

In a bid to take the final step in her career, Pliskova has hired long-time ATP coach Daniel Vallverdu.

She is also working overtime on improving the finer details in her game.

“I think that I’m really close to winning a big tournament. I’m no.2 at the moment, so it is about improving the small things,” she said.

“Sometimes you need to have luck as well. I think I can improve my serves, especially my percentage on the net.

“I think I can play a little bit more aggressively.”