Karolina Pliskova felt her inexperience cost her in the US Open final after she suffered a three-set loss to Angelique Kerber. In her maiden grand-slam final, the Czech 10th seed went down to Kerber 6-3 4-6 6-4 in an entertaining clash at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday.
Pliskova, 24, had never been beyond the third round at a major before, but her run in New York included wins over both Williams sisters. However, she gave up a break in the third set – and felt Kerber's experience of playing two previous major finals this year proved decisive.
"I think I did a great job. It was my first final," Pliskova said. "I was still close to winning. I mean, she has more experience to play those finals than me so [that] probably decided this match. I'm so proud of myself. If someone would tell me I'm going to play finals in this tournament two weeks ago, I would take it. Not sadness."
Pliskova made a slow start in the decider, but her power seemed to be overwhelming Kerber as she won the second set and took a 3-1 lead in the third. The runner-up, who lost the final eight points of the match, said nerves had no impact on her at any stage during the final.
"I wasn't nervous at all. Not even during the match. Not even in the beginning," Pliskova said. "I said already once I'm on the court I feel fine. A little bit before the match I felt nervous, but I think that's normal. I was enjoying the match. It was very tough for me physically. We all know she's tough to play and she's putting so many balls back. I was expecting a very tough match."
"In the end, in the third set, I was very close, but, you know, she's just playing some good tennis this year. It's never easy to beat her."
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