Karolina Pliskova into fourth round of the Australian open 2018. Lucie Safarova out

MELBOURNE, Australia
Former World No.1 Karolina Pliskova took down fellow Czech and Fed Cup teammate Lucie Safarova to reach the fourth round at the Australian Open for the second time in her career.

Pliskova struck 11 aces and needed two tight sets to see off her countrywoman in a 7-6(6), 7-5 battle lasting an hour and 38 minutes.

“It’s tough to play another Czech player especially as we are Fed Cup teammates,” Pliskova said on-court inside Margaret Court Arena. “It’s always close but I served well and that’s the key for me.”