World number two Pliskova parts ways with coach Martinez

Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic celebrates with her husband Michal Hrdlicka (R) and coach Conchita Martinez (2nd L) after winning the International BNL d'Italia women's singles final in Rome, Italy, May 19, 2019. /VCG Photo

World number two and recent WTA Finals semi-finalist Karolina Pliskova said Thursday she was parting ways with her Spanish coach Conchita Martinez.

"I decided I will no longer work with Conchita," the 27-year-old Czech wrote on her Facebook page.

"It was (a) tough decision as the season was great. Thank you for all this year and wish u only the best. Life is a change!!!" added the 2016 U.S. Open finalist.

Her manager and husband Michal Hrdlicka told the Czech news agency CTK they were in talks with a new coach, without disclosing the name.

Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic walks into the arena before her WTA Finals women's singles match with Ashleigh Barty of Australia in Shenzhen, south China, November 2, 2019. /VCG Photo

"It has been an incredible year full of great moments and emotions," tweeted Martinez.

"I wish Kaja and her team the best for the future," added the 47-year-old Wimbledon champion from 1994.

Pliskova hired Martinez during last year's U.S. Open, and she immediately won the Pacific Open in Tokyo.

She went on to win four WTA tournaments this year and reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open and at last week's WTA Finals in south China's Shenzhen, where she bowed out to world number one and later champion Ashleigh Barty.

Source(s): AFP