By Adrianna Outlaw | Tuesday, September 19, 2017
"I felt like I needed a change so that’s why I did it," said Karolina Pliskova of her decision to split from coach David Kotyza.
Photo credit: US Open Facebook
Karolina Pliskova launches the Asian swing with an independent outlook.
Pliskova was displaced from the world No. 1 ranking by Garbine Muguruza then revealed she parted company with coach David Kotyza.
Muguruza: Hold Top Spot as Long As Possible
Arriving in Tokyo seeded second to Muguruza at this week's Toray Pan Pacific Open, Pliskova said she split from Koytza, who previously coached Petra Kvitova, because she needed a change.
“I think it was a good decision,” Pliskova told the media in Tokyo in comments published by Japan Times. “I feel OK, and it was my decision. I felt like I needed a change so that’s why I did it.”
The 2016 US Open finalist posted a 46-13 winning three titles—Brisbane, Doha and Eastbourne—working with Kotyza. The WTA ace leader also contested semifinals in Indian Wells, Miami, Roland Garros and Cincinnati.
Pliskova will play upcoming tournaments without a coach while accompanied by her father, Radek, suggesting she will seek out a new coach for next season.
Previously, Pliskova spent two years working with Jiri Vanek, who went on to coach Pliskova.
“Obviously I need a coach, but it’s not the main thing in my team,” Pliskova said. “I can play good even without a coach. I’m going to stay out these three tournaments without a coach. My father will come, and I will see for next season.
“This year, it’s very open when Serena (Williams) is not there. There’s a chance for everybody, every Grand Slam has had a different winner. It’s very close in the top 10.”
Last fall, the 6’1” Czech wore down following her three-set loss to Angelique Kerber in the 2016 US Open final. Pliskova posted a 3-3 record during the 2016 Asian swing, finishing with a 4-5 record after the Flushing Meadows final.
Conceding fatigue is a factor nearly every fall season, the US Open quarterfinalist hopes change an be energizing this time.
“I feel a little bit tired going into this part (of the fall schedule) but I think it’s almost the same every year,” Pliskova said. “I’ve had so many matches this year, so many tournaments—a lot of traveling.
“I think it’s normal that I’m tired but I want to do the best I can for the last three or maximum four tournaments. The trip to the States was quite solid, could have been better, but I played some good matches so there’s no reason not to feel confident.”
Pliskova opens against qualifier Magda Linette and if she wins, the second seed would play either Kerber in a US Open final rematch, or Daria Kasatkina, for a quarterfinal spot.