Lisicki storms back against Pliskova to win Hong Kong Open title
German top seed takes advantage of Czech player's meltdown to overturn a 5-1 first-set deficit and secure her first WTA crown in three years
It was hot on Victoria Park's centre court, at least five degrees higher than the 33 recorded on Sunday in Causeway Bay - and it resulted in a meltdown for Karolina Pliskova in the final of the inaugural Prudential Hong Kong Open.
Sabine Lisicki, the top seed and the last player to confirm for the tournament was also the last one standing as she benefited from a massive collapse from her Czech opponent, who had led 5-1 in the first set before going into a tailspin to lose 7-5, 6-3 and give the German her first WTA singles title in more than three years.
"This is absolutely unbelievable, especially since I made up my mind to come to Hong Kong at the very last minute. It was a spontaneous decision and I'm thankful to Hong Kong for inviting me," a delighted Lisicki told a packed centre-court crowd after she fell to her knees in joy having delivered the coup de grace, a forehand passing shot that left Pliskova stranded mid-court and wondering how it all went wrong.
I love competing and playing in front of a crowd. The crowd gives me so much energy
The heat might have been one answer. Pliskova had played most of her matches in her run to the final during the day while Lisicki, the marquee player at the tournament, had it better with evening encounters.
Organisers had scheduled the singles final first as Pliskova and her twin sister Kristyna were also playing in the doubles - if a player is in both finals, singles is always played first to increase the chance of winning.
It initially seemed a good decision for the Czech, 36th in the world and the third seed. She broke Lisicki twice and galloped to a stunning lead. But Lisicki came storming back, winning six games in a row to take the first set.
