Karolina Pliskova wins Brisbane International title for third time

Karolina Pliskova won her third Brisbane International title in four years to stake her claim as a genuine Australian Open chance.

Karolina Pliskova celebrates against Madison Keys in the final of the Brisbane International. Picture: AAP

Karolina Pliskova is the most successful woman to play in Brisbane after claiming her third singles title in Queensland in four years.

The Czech star defended a title for the first time in her career on Sunday, edging fellow US Open finalist Madison Keys in a tense encounter at Pat Rafter Arena.

In a clash between two women considered potential grand slam winners, Pliskova ultimately succeeded 6-4 4-6 7-5 in a match that lasted a shade over two hours.

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The 27-year-old on Saturday survived a match point in an enthralling semi-final win over reigning Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, and has shown she is a contender in Melbourne.

Her third title took her clear of two-time champions Serena Williams, who won in 2013 and 2014, and Victoria Azarenka, who was successful in 2009 and 2016.

“I think it’s always difficult to defend (a title) because to be in great shape at that moment where you just won last year, I think (it’s) a long way since the title (and) you don’t always have to feel the way you felt last year,” Pliskova said.

“And so, this time, I don’t think it was (a) perfect tournament. Maybe last year I played here and there a little better but maybe I was fighting more this time and just somehow (found) a way to win the matches, which is important.

“And I beat only good top players, so there was nobody really easy this time, (where) maybe compared to last year I think the draw was a little bit different.”

A former world No 1, Pliskova was a semi-finalist in Melbourne last year after reaching the quarter-finals in the previous two editions of the Australian Open.

Given a gruelling weekend, the Czech will have just one day off in the Victorian capital before resuming training.

In a bid to find the ingredient that will help her make the transition from grand slam contender to champion, she has recently hired Daniel Vallverdu as her coach.

The 33-year-old Venezuelan coach has enjoyed notable success working with Andy Murray, Tomas Berdych and Grigor Dimitrov, and has also worked with 2014 Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka.

The hardcourts at Melbourne Park suit a woman who strikes the ball with conviction and pace from the baseline and Pliskova believes she has scope for improvement.

“I still think I took it as a preparation here (for the Australian Open),” Pliskova said.

“But no matter how big the tournament is, it’s still great to win it and to have the title, especially beating the last two players, Naomi and Madison.

“I think it always gives you some extra confidence and at least you know which level you are at.

“So I think it was a great way to start the year.”

Keys was also pleased with her week in Brisbane, despite the loss on Sunday.

The impressive American, who was a semi finalist at the Australian Open in 2015, made it to the final with a come-from-behind win over two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.

“I don’t think I played amazing tennis today and I was still right in that match, so (there are) a lot of very positive things to take away,” Keys said.

“I was definitely very happy with, in tight, tense moments, just totally keeping my cool and moving on to the next point.”