The clean-hitting Czech took just over two hours to beat Madison Keys 6-4 4-6 7-5 on Sunday, outlasting the valiant American despite a near three-hour semi-final tussle against Naomi Osaka on Saturday night.

It was Pliskova's third Brisbane title in four years, having made the semi-finals in 2018 between wins in 2017 and 2019.

And it's the first time she's defended a trophy in a career that's now netted 16 titles.

The 27-year-old was most proud of the latter statistic, but said that form would count for nothing once action resumes at Melbourne Park - where she reached the final four last year.

"It was my last push today, I think I spent quite a lot of time on the courts this week ... so finally tomorrow's a day off for me," she said

"My recovery is quite good, so I think one day off ... will be enough for me.

"It was a great way to start the year. But of course, grand slam or any other tournament, it always starts on zero ... there's nobody really thinking that 'oh, she won a tournament two weeks ago'."

Former US Open finalist Pliskova looked home when up a set and a break before Keys, as she did against another Czech Petra Kvitova in the semi-final, surged back to level.

Again it was Pliskova who nudged ahead in the decider, breaking late to serve for the match.

Keys broke again but couldn't get out of jail a third time when she surrendered the next service game with another backhand error.

"I don't think I played amazing tennis today and I was still right in that match, so a lot of very positive things to take away," said Keys, who will move up two spots to No.11.

"I was definitely very happy with, in tight, tense moments, just totally keeping my cool and moving on to the next point."

Australian Associated Press