Jelena Ostapenko inspired as she thrashes Karolina Pliskova in WTA Finals farewell

The 25-year-old was outclassed in the dead rubber encounter 6-3, 6-1 in 66 minutes at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Pliskova, who is in the running to finish world number one, had already locked up pole position from the white group after losing just eight games across her opening two matches.

Lacking intensity, an uninspired Pliskova’s reliable big serve was uncharacteristically erratic and she was broken five times in the match. Despite the loss, Pliskova is in the final four after failing in her WTA Finals debut last year.

Pliskova admitted playing in the dead rubber was a “weird” experience.

“Yeah, it was really tough to push myself and play my best tennis when you know you’ve qualified,” she said after the match. “I haven’t ever been in this situation. I didn’t know how I was going to feel and how she was going to play. I think she played amazing.”

Despite the setback, Pliskova remained confident of bouncing back in her semi-final on Saturday. “I think it will now feel like a normal tournament,” she said. “Hopefully I’ll be ready, and I’m sure I’m going to feel much better and play much better.”

It was the first time Pliskova had lost to Ostapenko, who grew in confidence and unleashed her powerful groundstrokes to dictate the rallies. With the pressure off, Ostapenko went for her shots, showing glimpses of brilliance rarely seen in Singapore after a breakout season.