Karolina Pliskova was the first player through to the semi finals of the AEGON Classic after a surprisingly straight forward victory over the third seed Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2 6-2.

Although not her favoured service, the Spaniard was favoured to win this clash but was never really competitive after falling down 0-4. There was little answer for the Czech’s big hitting with Suarez Navarro constantly being put on the back foot.

It was the fourth time the players had met this year, with Pliskova equalling it up at 2-2 with this result. Pliskova looked shaky in victory over Johanna Konta yesterday but is getting into the swing of things now on the grass with this performance in addition to her straight sets win over Zarina Diyas, also played yesterday.

Pliskova continued to force the issue in the second set, breaking to love for a 3-2 lead after Suarez Navarro could only dig a forehand into the net. After saving 0-30 in the next game, it would end very quickly with the Czech getting a second break for a 5-2 lead thanks to a vicious back hand down the line.

Pliskova did have a minor slip in serving for her fifth semi final of the year, blowing two match points and facing a break point with only a correct challenge saving her from losing the game. There was no messing around on her third match point, hitting her fourth ace of the day to move on.

“I was just trying to play aggressive because I know she’s really good at running and has good hands” said the Czech, who hit 24 winners in total.