Start spreading the news: Pliskova is billboard No.1
Karolina Pliskova's rise to the top of the WTA rankings has been marked in style in America - with the 25-year-old's image adorning huge billboards around New York's Times Square.
The eye-catching images were created on her behalf by Fila, the sportswear company that has worked with the Czech player since January 2016.
World #1 ranked player on @WTA Tour as seen on billboards today in Times Square || @KaPliskova #teamFila #filatennis pic.twitter.com/R6dgsYzn5p
— Fila Tennis (@FilaTennis) July 19, 2017
Pliskova's place at the top of the women's tennis was assured last week during the final stages of Wimbledon. After Simona Halep's quarterfinal defeat ended her immediate chance of claiming top spot, Pliskova's new position was secure, succeeding Kerber to become the 23rd woman to hold the No.1 ranking.
She is the first No.1 representing the Czech Republic since computer rankings were introduced in 1975. The triumph follows her third WTA title of the season, won at the Aegon International Eastbourne, with Pliskova also having reached the final of the US Open and the semifinals of the French Open in the last year.
Pliskova returns to New York in person next month for her latest assault on the US Open. Last year's final appearance at Flushing Meadows, when she lost to Kerber in three sets, remains her best showing at the tournament.