Most players would feel scared facing a rampaging Serena Williams for an Australian Open semi-final berth but not Czech seventh seed Katerina Pliskova, who retains a desire for revenge against the American great
The pair will meet in the last eight at the season-opening Grand Slam on Wednesday, with the day’s other quarter-final pitting Japan’s US Open champion Naomi Osaka against Ukrainian sixth seed Elina Svitolina.
Williams has shined her way through the first four rounds at Melbourne Park, dropping only nine games in her opening three matches before finally meeting some resistance from top seed Simona Halep.
Nevertheless, even the world number one was eventually overwhelmed in three sets as an intensely focused Williams continued her quest for a record-equalling 24th major, with Halep saying facing the 37-year-old was like being hit by a freight train.
Pliskova is confident she can derail the Serena express. She’s done it before at a Grand Slam when she defeated Williams in straight sets in the 2016 US Open semi-finals.
The American responded with a commanding quarter-final victory over Pliskova at Flushing Meadows in 2018, but now the Czech 26-year-old is convinced it’s her turn, saying she has improved since then.
“I didn’t play well that match, so for sure it would be good revenge to play her again,” Pliskova said. “Different conditions here. I think I’m playing a little bit better than last year, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Williams, who is chasing a record eighth Australian title to take her to 24 majors and match Margaret Court’s record, said she always had good matches against the big-serving Pliskova.
“I’ve got to return a little bit better (against her) but I’ll be ready. She’s ready. Let’s do it,” said Williams, who is the bookies’ favourite for the title despite being seeded 16.