In their lone previous meeting, Williams, right, beat Pliskova in California.
In their lone previous meeting, Williams, right, beat Pliskova in California.
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But saying she struggled with a knee injury, Williams wasn't at her finest.
But saying she struggled with a knee injury, Williams wasn't at her finest.
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She made 31 unforced errors and hit six double faults to lose 6-2 7-6 (7-5).
She made 31 unforced errors and hit six double faults to lose 6-2 7-6 (7-5).
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Pliskova reached her first grand slam final. For her part, her game was working, including the big serve.
Pliskova reached her first grand slam final. For her part, her game was working, including the big serve.
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Serena's loss meant Angelique Kerber wil rise to No. 1 in the rankings on Monday, ending Serena's long stay.
Serena's loss meant Angelique Kerber wil rise to No. 1 in the rankings on Monday, ending Serena's long stay.
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Kerber celebrated by beating Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 in the other semi.
Kerber celebrated by beating Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 in the other semi.
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