World No. 6, Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic, needed just 76 minutes, including seven aces to clinch the Brisbane Open Tennis title with a comprehensive 6-0 6-3 win over Alize Cornet of France, on the Pat Rafter Arena yesterday.

The Czech player, who ended 2016 on a high note with two title wins, runner-up at the US Open and partook in the WTA Finals in Singapore, has sent a strong warning out to her competitors ahead of the Australian Open which starts on 16 January.

Although her only real challenge this week was a three set match against Roberta Vinci, it’s a good start under new coach, David Kotyza, who helped fellow Czech, Petra Kvitova win two Wimbledon Singles titles.

Pliskova has the makings of a Grand Slam champion and should be a strong contender to lift at least one of the coveted trophies this year.