Serena Williams dumped out of Australian Open by brilliant Karolina Pliskova

Michael Graham 23 Jan 2019 6:52 AM

Karolina Pliskova pulled off an incredible Australian Open comeback as an injured Serena Williams squandered four match points and a deciding set double-break in their quarter-final.

Pliskova started the better, claiming the first set before Williams recovered from another break of serve to dominate the second.

However, it was in the third set when the true drama unfolded.

Williams was playing some brilliant tennis, and raced to a 5-1 lead before appearing to turn her ankle at 5-1 up.

It proved pivotal, with Pliskova taking full advantage to reel off six games in a row to claim a sensational 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 win and semi-finals date with Naomi Osaka.

“She improved her game in the second set,” said Pliskova.

“I was struggling a little bit against the wind. She was playing very well in the second set.

“I was almost in the locker room but now stand here as the winner.

“My mind was in the locker room at 5-1 down but I was still here. I was too passive and mentally down.

“She got a little bit shaky in the end. I took my chances and I won.

“I’m happy to play two days in a row. I like it.

“Naomi Osaka is dangerous but there is nobody more dangerous than Serena.”