Plíšková is gaining momentum

Mertens dominated Eala 6-2 6-1 in 1h16 in R2, a perfect match on paper, 100% of service games held, 5/11 breaks converted, Eala without a single return game. But Eala is not Plíšková.

The Czech, for her part, has played two very different matches this week. In R1 against Kraus, she struggled in three sets, inconsistent serve, 6 double faults, before finding her rhythm at the end of the match. In R2 against Sakkari, the change is clear: 91% of service games held, 81% on first serve, a controlled match despite a second set snatched in the tiebreak 8-6. Plíšková is gaining momentum match after match in Madrid, and her serve at altitude amplifies her natural strengths perfectly.