Like her sister, Karolina Pliskova, Kristyna Pliskova is surging on the WTA tour, breaking into the Top 100 as Karolina firmed up her position the Top 10.
The twin 24-year-olds have experienced different levels of success in recent years, with Karolina reaching the U.S. Open final. But in that same week, Kristyna won her first WTA $125K tournament, and she followed that victory with a tour-level title in Tashkent this weekend.
Kristyna credits a coaching change, not her sister's example, as the biggest reason for her recent form. The pair had both named Jiri Vanek as their official coach on the WTA site, but Kristyna told the Tashkent tournament website that she switched three weeks ago.
"I have a new coach," Kristyna said, "and he has been very positive and [has] changed my thinking and has helped me."
Before starting her current run, Kristyna won only a single match at the WTA level since reaching the third round of Miami.
Both Pliskovas are known for their serving, but Kristyna's left-hand delivery can be even more effective than her right-handed sister.
"It's my favorite stroke," Kristyna said.
Kristyna hit a tour-leading 31 aces in the second round of the Australian Open. Karolina has a tour-leading 451 aces in 52 matches.
The Williamses are currently the highest-ranked sisters on the WTA tour, with Serena ranked No. 2 and Venus ranked No. 7.