Pliskova: No.1 is not my goal

It’s not quite a case of been there done that, but former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova says she has no interest in rankings as she chases a maiden Grand Slam title in 2018.

The Czech talent was one of five women to claim the top spot in a season of parity this year, with current No.1 Simona Halep another on the hunt for an elusive major title in the upcoming season.

Spain’s world No.2 Garbine Muguruza described the battle for top spot as a war ahead of Sunday’s Brisbane International.

READ MORE: Muguruza on No.1 battle

But when quizzed on Saturday, current No.4 Pliskova offered a vastly different take.

“Since I was there I don’t fight for this anymore,” she said.

“I have different goals, like the titles in tournaments and Grand Slams and ranking for me doesn’t matter that much any more.”

The 25-year-old is battling an illness and could barely speak on Saturday.

But as the tournament’s second seed she is granted a first-round bye and will play either a qualifier or American CiCi Bellis on Tuesday or Wednesday.

A dominant winner in Brisbane last January, Pliskova hopes another good showing can launch her towards a Grand Slam breakthrough after a finals appearance at the 2016 US Open and French Open semifinal earlier this year.

QUIZ: Were you paying attention in the off-season?

Pliskova said a short-term association with former Australian Fed Cup star Rennae Stubbs would be put on hold as she continues with new coach Tomas Krupa.

“I changed coach again, so it’s better to have no expectation, but it’s going to be tough because this year was the best so far for me,” she said.

“But for me the next step would be to win a Grand Slam.”