Watch: Pliskova On Puig Rematch and Goals

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Watch: Pliskova On Puig Rematch and Goals

Karolina Pliskova succeeded Serena Williams atop the Indian Wells draw.

The US Open finalist could someday supplant Williams atop the rankings.

More: 5 Women Facing Indian Wells Challenges

The world No 1’s withdrawal bumped potential future No. 1 Pliskova to the top of the Indian Wells draw where she will face Olympic gold medal champion Monica Puig tomorrow.

“Monica, obviously, she won Olympics so she’s gonna be tough to beat,” said Pliskova, who is 3-0 lifetime vs. Puig winning all six sets they’ve played. “But I played her a few times. I won so I think I’ll be ready for that match.”

Pliskova powered past both Venus Williams and Serena Williams en route to her first Grand Slam final at the US Open last September. She arrives on the west coast with a 15-2 record and two titles—Brisbane and Doha—to her credit in four tournaments this season. Pliskova led the WTA in aces last year and has already pounded 140 aces against just 29 double faults.

Serena Williams, 2016 runner-up to Victoria Azarenka, will lose her No. 1 ranking after the event. Pliskova said aside from prompting her relocation in the draw, the Australian Open champion’s absence does not impact her outlook.

"For me it doesn't matter if she's playing or not," Pliskova said. "Obviously, it's better in that I won't play her in the early rounds or something, but it's not something I'm thinking about."

The 24-year-old Czech trails Williams by 2,120 rankings points and is 1,900 points behind second-ranked Angelique Kerber, who defeated Pliskova in the three-set US Open final.

Last year, Pliskova lost to eventual-champion Azarenka in the Indian Wells semifinals. This year, her goal is to be a factor in every tournament she plays.

"I just want to play tournament by tournament and hope for a good result," Pliskova said. "I just want to give myself a good chance every week, doesn't matter which tournament or which surface. And in four tournaments this year, I have two wins, so I think I have a chance every week."

Photo credit: Brisbane International

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