Final:
Ashleigh Barty (1) (Australia) v Karolina Pliskova (8) (Czech Republic)
Records would be broken in this years Ladies’ Singles, with neither competitor having previously reached the Wimbledon final.
Barty had the 2019 Roland Garros title in her cabinet, while Pliskova’s best at Grand Slam level had been losing finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2016.
The head to head scoreline showed Barty in front 5-2, and winning the past three, including the Stuttgart quarter final on clay in April this year.
Pliskova did win on grass in 2016 in Nottingham.
It was the perfect start for the top seed, winning the first twelve points, to take a 3-0 lead, and with it breaking the Czech serve twice.
Barty consolidated for 4-0, saving two break points in the process, but then Pliskova reclaimed some of the lost ground, breaking to love to post her first game on the board.
From 30-15, Pliskova lost three points, a hostage to Barty’s slice and forehand, and the Australian was within a game of the set.
Serving for the set, Barty delivered a brilliant forehand winner, but it was the only point she managed, as a double fault and other mistakes cost her another service break.
Pliskova closed the gap more with a love game, and left Barty one more chance to serve for the set.
A backhand long from Pliskova and 15-0. A Barty forehand winner 30-0. Another forehand winner and three set points. A wide forehand from Pliskova and the first set was Barty’s 6-3.
Set two began with solid service holds from both players.
A pair of double faults from Pliskova and 0-30. A wide forehand and three break points. A netted Czech forehand and Barty was virtually handed a break. She led 2-1.
A service winner was nullified by a double fault in the next Barty service game, but another service winner plus an ace to seal the game gave the top seed a 3-1 lead.
A big serve and a Barty mistake gave Pliskova 30-0. Barty contributed a forehand winner, but a timely Pliskova ace and service winner won her the game and made it 2-3.
A double fault and unforced error from Barty, plus a Pliskova forehand return winner presented three break back points. Pliskova achieved the break when Barty netted a forehand. 3-3.
A forehand winner and an ace highlighted a service hold for Pliskova who now led 4-3.
Barty levelled with a love game, two forehand winners just catching the line.
A love game in response from Pliskova, and she was only a game away from the set. 5-4.
Serving to stay in the set, Barty served a double fault, but won all other points and it was 5-5.
An ace gave Pliskova 40-0 but Barty’s forehand and great defence brought it back to deuce, and finally Pliskova errors caused a break of serve.
Barty would serve for the match.
A double fault and unforced errors cost Barty her serve and a tie break was required.
At 2-3 in the tie break, Barty lost both her points on serve. Pliskova had 6-2 and four set points. Barty saved two, but couldn’t stop Pliskova from winning the tie break and the set 7-6(4).
In the decider, Barty let a 40-0 lead slip to deuce before taking the opening game.
Pliskova saved the first of three break points in the next game, but not the second, and Barty once more had the advantage 2-0.
The Australian consolidated for a 3-0 lead.
Pliskova was quick to stop the run with a strong service hold and trailed 1-3.
Barty won two points from a precarious 30-30 to maintain the break and 4-1.
Pliskova, serving to stay in the match at 2-5, surrendered two points, but held firm and the score was 3-5.
Barty serving for the match a second time.
Barty was a break point down after netting a forehand. Pliskova missed with a backhand and it was deuce. An ace at the right time and the first match point. Pliskova netted a backhand and it was over.
Ash Barty won her first Wimbledon, and her second Grand Slam title 6-3 6-7(4) 6-3.
Karolina Pliskova was a worthy finalist, and made it difficult for the world number one all the way.
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