Pliskova usurps No.1 seed Sabalenka in Montreal
Karolina Pliskova will face unseeded Italian Camila Giorgi in the National Bank Open final after beating No.1 seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals.
An intriguing semi-final pitted two of the favourites against one another in Montreal and it was Pliskova, the No.4 seed, who came out on top 6-3 6-4.
The Wimbledon finalist broke early in the first and then clinched the set on Sabalenka's serve, too, although she was made to work a little harder in the second.
Pliskova fell behind in the seventh game, but she responded by winning three straight games to wrap up victory.
"It's an amazing feeling to be in another final this year," Pliskova said.
"I think I was super solid today. I just did everything what I was supposed to do to win this match, played smart.
"My serve was pretty good, I have to say."
Indeed, the Czech landed 71 per cent of her first serves in, with 10 aces to two double faults, helping her to win 69 per cent of her service points.
World No.71 Giorgi progressed to the decider with a three-set win over Jessica Pegula in two hours and 11 minutes.
The 6-3 3-6 6-1 win means the Italian qualified for her first career WTA 1000 final.
Giorgi had toppled No.7 seed Petra Kvitova, No.9 seed Elise Mertens and No.15 seed Cori Gauff on her route to the decider.
