Julia Görges took revenge for her defeat the day before thanks to an awesome performance and was reduced to 1:2 in the semi-final against the Czech Republic. The German number one defeated the world number six with 6:4, 6:2, but now Angelique Kerber has to win against Petra Kvitova (NOW live on DAZN and in LIVETICKER) to keep the hosts in the match. A 2-0 deficit after the first day had never before made up a DTB selection. “Who knows, nothing is impossible,” Görges said after the match.
By Ulrike Weinrich in Stuttgart
One day after her clear defeat in the duel with the two-time Wimbledon winner Kvitova (3:6, 2:6), Görges presented herself as transformed in the Porsche Arena. The 29-year-old began highly concentrated and did not let herself be unnerved by the cannon-like impacts of the 1.86-meter tall Pliskova.
Görges and the 2016 US Open finalist had formed a world-class double for some time before both decided to focus on their individual careers. Together they even qualified for the WTA final of the top eight double teams in Singapore two years ago.
However, the two friends did not give each other anything on Sunday. Above all, Görges showed enormous stability in her service and put Pliskova under pressure early on. Things had been different the day before. The Auckland winner used her second break point right away and was leading 3-1, as she did against Kvitova on Saturday.
But this time “Jule” didn’t lose the thread and seemed to really suck up the cheering of the fans in the arena which was sold out with 4500 spectators. Again and again she showed the winner’s fist after successful actions. And there were many of these. A forehand error by Pliskova brought Görges the first set ball. With a backhand winner, the opening round took place after 27 minutes – and showed emotions.
The hall was upside down. In the first set, the German made the point in 88 percent of the cases when the first serve came. Görges gave her opponent another low blow when she took the service off her again immediately afterwards. She then transported this break to the end – and even added to it. With an own 5:2 lead, the preliminary decision had been made. Not least because she returned outstandingly throughout the match. With the eighth ace, the 29-year-old finished her gala performance after only 55 minutes.
Even team boss Jens Gerlach still believed in the miracle after the completely messed up first day. “Now they say: Get up, fix the crown, continue,” said the native of Stuttgart on Saturday evening. It is the first semi-final home game of the German team since 1994.