WTA Finals: Pliskova clinches first semi-final spot

Czech tennis star Karolina Pliskova on Thursday clinched the first spot in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2018 Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Finals after sweeping aside Petra Kvitova in straight sets in Singapore on Friday.

Pliskova defeated her compatriot and fourth-seed Petra Kvitova 6-3, 6-4 in the final round-robin match.

Reflecting on her win, the 26-year-old stated that getting into the semi-finals after conquering Kvitova feels special to her.

"It means a lot, and for sure, to get it to go to semifinals after beating [Kvitova], it's just special. I know, I'm pretty good playing three-setters this year, so I just believed I can win this match by having the first set done. I felt pretty confident actually out there," the WTA quoted Pliskova, as saying.

The world number eight further stated that she was constructive even when she lost to world number seven Elina Svitolina, adding that she is optimistic about her shots.

"I was pretty positive even after the match that I lost against Svitolina. I think my game is just completely fine. There is no reason to panic or there is no reason to just feel bad about something. I think my shots are pretty solid, so I can play anywhere," she added.

Karolina Pliskova will now take on either Danish star Caroline Wozniacki or Elina Svitolina of Ukraine for a place in the summit showdown.