Karolina Pliskova is still searching for her first Grand Slam title, having now come one win shy of doing so twice: at the US Open five years ago, and at Wimbledon this summer. But one thing she shouldn't be searching for respect, in spite of some heartbreaks on game's biggest stages.
Pliskova is one of a select group of players who can say they've reached the semifinal round or better at all four majors. It speaks to the 29-year-old's all-surface ability—her flat serves and forehands translate to any court—and to her longevity. She remains a threat to anyone, anywhere, anytime, and that will certainly apply this week at the WTA Finals.
The season-ending championships have also tripped up the Czech in the later stages; this is her fifth appearance in the tour's elite eight, and she's reached the semifinal knockout stage three times. Seeing her get over the hump in Mexico would not be a surprise, and it could serve as a momentum boost to a 2022 season that may yield even greater prizes.
