By Mike McIntyre
Karolina Pliskova's first loss as the World No. 1 had to happen sometime and against someone. That turned out to be Friday in Toronto against 6th seed Caroline Wozniacki. During a match that was delayed by rain several times, Wozniacki managed to use the repeated stops to her advantage en route to a 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4 victory on Centre Court at the Rogers Cup.
Things weren't clicking as easily as Pliskova would have liked vs Wozniacki.
The match started out well for Pliskova who raced to a 5-1 lead. Then after yet another weather delay, Wozniacki came back and reeled-off six straight games to snatch the opening set from her stunned opponent.
"I think the biggest mistake was the first set," revealed Pliskova after the match. "So because of that, I think I lost."
Pliskova being escorted off the court for a rain delay.
The match lasted 2 hours and 53 minutes without taking into consideration the rain stoppages. It seemed to have the crowd mostly behind the more experienced Wozniacki, who herself once occupied the position for a total of 67 weeks.
After the rain Wozniacki picked-up her game.
Casual tennis fans may take some time to warm-up to Pliskova who comes across as quite focused and business-like on the court. With the press after the match it was encouraging to see her crack a few smiles that revealed someone who isn't taking her new role as too much of a burden. "I think I felt pretty good," she said when asked about her first week as No. 1.
Still able to crack a smile.
One move this week that revealed a player who is not shying away from a little extra attention was Pliskova's decision to play doubles with Canada's top player Genie Bouchard. The idea was Pliskova's as her twin sister was not available for her to partner with. The move allowed Pliskova a little extra time on the court after her post-Wimbledon break.
World No. 1 with Canada's No. 1
One thing if for sure - there will be more of a target painted on Pliskova's back now as her peers attempt to ensure that her stay at the top is short-lived. Other players like Simona Halep and Elina Svitolina have mentioned this week that they too aim to occupy the top position at some point in the future. For now it is on to Cincinnati and a chance for fans in that city to see what the new World No. 1 can do.
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