Finals in Brisbane and Auckland were played last night, Australian time.
BRISBANE
WTA
Brisbane International final
Karolina Pliskova (5) v Lesia Tsurenko
Pliskova was broken in the opening game of set one, and Tsurenko consolidated to lead 2-0, her backhand already on fire.
Despite two double faults, the fifth seed survived deuce and registered on the scoreboard before Tsurenko again used her first serve to advantage for 3-1.
Cutting down her percentage of unforced errors, Pliskova held to love, then broke back. 3-3.
Another double fault had Pliskova down 0-30, and quick work at the net from Tsurenko created three break points. The first was converted and Tsurenko led 4-3.
At 3-5 and deuce, Pliskova found an ace and another big serve, forcing Tsurenko to serve for the set.
The Ukrainian managed the task and led 6-4
A Tsurenko backhand/forehand combo put more pressure on Pliskova in the first game of set two, and a forehand return winner brought up three break points. Only one was necessary. Lesia led by a set and a break.
Aces highlighted the consolidating service game and 2-0.
In the fourth game, Tsurenko saved a break point with a backhand winner, and a second break chance for Pliskova also vanished.
However, the third opportunity did the damage and scores were level 2-2.
Some loose tennis off the Czech racquet assisted in the donation of the very next game to Tsurenko, and once again the Ukraine held a big advantage. 3-2
No service breaks in the next three games, although Tsurenko needed to save a break point to lead 5-3.
That was her final success for set two, as she suffered a major meltdown.
Two points from the match when Pliskova served at 3-5 and deuce, it was all downhill from there for Lesia. Karolina held for 4-5.
Serving for the match, errors flowed from Tsurenko and she dropped serve to love.
Pliskova won fourteen of the last fifteen points for the set, including breaking the Tsurenko serve in the twelfth game to tie the match 4-6 7-5
The deciding set was a walk in the park for Pliskova - she won 16 of 18 points on first serve, and half of the points on all of the Tsurenko serves.
Pliskova saved the single break point she faced, and converted both chances she had.
It was joy for Karolina Pliskova, winning her second Brisbane International in three years 4-6 7-5 6-2
Still, Lesia Tsurenko enjoyed a terrific tournament and will move up three spots to a career high ranking of 24.
Pliskova edges up from 8 to 7, swapping places with compatriot Petra Kvitova.
ATP
Brisbane International final
Kei Nishikori (2) defeated Daniil Medvedev (4) 6-4 3-6 6-2
This was the first title for Nishikori since Memphis 2016, after nine final losses - three last year.
AUCKLAND
WTA
ASB Classic Final
Julia Goerges (2) defeated qualifier Bianca Andreescu 2-6 7-5 6-1
This was the second successive title in Auckland for Julia, but the story of the week was Bianca who, in just her fourth main draw tournament, included two former world number ones among the three seeds she defeated.
Her ranking jumps 45 places to a career high of 107, and 2019 should be a year of many more firsts for the 18 year old.
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