Despite her recent run of success, Karolina Pliskova says she’s still not a nationally-known figure in the Czech Republic. The 22-year-old has started this season as one of the WTA’s top performers, going 17-5, including a trip to the Dubai final.

"In Czech Republic they are supporting tennis quite a lot, but I don't think they are watching that much or they are following," Pliskova said in Dubai, "because no one is stopping me [on the streets]."

The 6'1" Pliskova met fellow Czech Petra Kvitova in the Sydney final earlier this year. Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, won the match 7-6, 7-6. "Well, Petra I think they know really well," Pliskova admitted.

Pliskova cracked the Top 20 for the first time this season and is currently No. 13. After wins over Ana Ivanovic and countrywoman Lucie Safarova in Dubai, Pliskova lost to top seed Simona Halep in the final, 6-4, 7-6.

Pliskova is most pleased with her consistency, reaching the semifinals of Antwerp the week before Dubai.

"I started really well this season, and I won some matches already in the beginning, which gave me some confidence," she said.

"I keep going. Like I won two matches in Fed Cup and then in Antwerp," she added. "I'm just going every day on the court and trying to do my best, and it's going on my way."