World No.6 Karolina Pliskova is a star fast on the rise and with a maiden grand slam final now under her belt, she has high hopes for her return to the Brisbane International in 2017.
A coach switch with Czech Fed Cup teammate Petra Kvitova from Jiri Vanek to David Kotyza will bring a fresh approach to her game, at a time when the 24-year-old has surged to a career-high No.6 in the rankings.
In the second half of the 2016 season Pliskova showed opponents what she is truly capable of as she defeated then world No.1 Serena Williams in the US Open semifinals before extending Angelique Kerber to three sets in the final.
Pliskova subsequently made her maiden appearance at the WTA Finals in Singapore and helped the Czech Republic win its third consecutive Fed Cup title.
She faces a potentially tough opponent in world No.34 Yulia Putintseva in her opening-round match on Pat Rafter Arena on Sunday.
“I didn’t play her yet. Really, I just know her since two years I think, so definitely she’s a big fighter,” Pliskova said. “She’s defending really well from the baseline.
“It’s going to be tough because it’s the first match after a while but, yeah, I’m excited to start a new season here.”
Having taken a short break after the 2016 season ended, Pliskova has spent time training in the Czech Republic for the beginning of the 2017 season and is looking forward to using the Brisbane tournament to prepare for her forthcoming appearance at the Australian Open.
“I think it’s a good preparation, especially for us coming from Czech Republic. It is good to have some matches, even more under the belt coming towards the Open,” she said. “I have been here a few times, I love this city. I was excited to come back because last year I didn’t.”
Tickets to all sessions are on sale now via Ticketek.