Twelve months ago, Azarenka finished as runner-up to Serena Williams in Brisbane and looked on course for a place in the second round when she moved a set and a break ahead.
But the Belarusian, who missed the end of last season with a foot injury, was unable to find the final blow, spurning match point as she failed to serve out the contest at 5-4. Pliskova saved another in the ensuing tie-break, which she then snatched when Azarenka fired long.
"It was starting to be close in the second set and I felt like she's starting to make more mistakes than in the first set," Pliskova said. "She was playing very good in the first set, especially the beginning.
" Following her impeccable start, Azarenka began to wilt in the draining heat on Pat Rafter Arena. Pliskova, meanwhile, grew in confidence with each passing game. As the contest entered a fourth hour, at 4-4 in the deciding set, Pliskova unleashed a hefty forehand to break for the first time. Azarenka threatened to extend the drama further, carving out a break back point in the next game.
The Czech, though, was not to be denied, producing her ninth ace, followed by a brilliant backhand passing shot, to stamp out the possibility of one final twist. Pliskova's 4-6, 7-6(7), 6-4 win sets up a second round meeting with lucky loser Alla Kudryavtseva.
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