(FILA Luxembourg S.à r.l.) - FILA sponsored tennis player and World No. 2 Karolina Pliskova kicked off her 2020 season at the Brisbane International this week by successfully capturing her second straight title at the event and third overall. The Czech knocked off the No. 8-seeded American Madison Keys in a three-set final 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 for her 16th career WTA title.
Down a set and a break in the match, Keys was able to rally to force a deciding set, but Pliskova ultimately held on for the victory. She faced tough opponents all week, defeating Ajla Tomljanovic, Alison Riske and World No. 4 Naomi Osaka en route to the final. With her title this week, Pliskova now owns the tournament record for most titles at the event with three (2017, 2019, 2020).
The tough Brisbane draw will give Pliskova plenty of confidence and momentum heading into the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne.
"I beat only good top players, so there was nobody easy this time, maybe compared to last year, I think the draw was a little bit different. So, of course especially, in the beginning of the year I think it's no better start," she told the WTA after the match.
Pliskova will look to improve on her semifinal appearance at last year’s Australian Open when she steps on court January 20 – February 2 at Melbourne Park.
In addition, FILA sponsored tennis players Ash Barty and Kiki Bertens teamed up for the first time in doubles this week at the Brisbane International, where they reached the final before falling to No. 1 seeds Barbora Strycova and Su-wei Hsieh.
All three FILA sponsored players have pledged their support to the Australian Red Cross to fight the recent devastating bushfires in the country. The World No. 1 Barty will donate all of her tournament winnings from Brisbane, while Bertens and Pliskova have pledged $100 and $200 per ace respectively during the Australian swing to support the relief efforts.