Pliskova had closed out the first set after wasting several opportunities.

Heather Watson came within a whisker of one of the great Wimbledon upsets, but was unable to stop Serena Williams’ march towards the calendar grand slam.

Caroline Wozniacki made a long overdue return to tennis’ biggest stage by stunning Maria Sharapova to reach the quarter-finals of the US Open.

Venus Williams is firmly behind sister Serena in her bid to become a six-time Wimbledon champion and edge ahead in their sibling rivalry.