Pliskova crowned new world No.1

Karolina Pliskova will become the new WTA No.1 when rankings come out on Monday. She becomes the first woman from the Czech Republic to take the top spot (Martina Navratilova was representing the USA when she became world No.1 in 1978), and is the 23rd WTA No.1 since computer rankings began in 1975.

Pliskova’s rise to the top represents something of a pyrrhic achievement for the 25 year-old. A pre-tournament favourite, she was bundled out of The Championships in the second round by Magdalena Rybarikova.

However, by virtue of Angelique Kerber failing to reach the final, and Simona Halep’s defeat in the quarterfinal to Johanna Konta, Pliskova will rise two places from world No.3 to No.1.

Pliskova has enjoyed a breakthrough 12 months on Tour. After reaching the final of last September’s US Open, she has gone on to claim three titles in 2017: Brisbane, Doha and Eastbourne. She was also part of the Czech Republic’s victorious Fed Cup team.

The Czech currently sits at No.1 on the Race to Singapore leaderboard, although that is likely to change once points from Wimbledon are added to player totals.