Twin-win situation – Pliskova replaces Pliskova in Doha

It was a mixed day in the Pliskova family as Karolina's illness allowed Kristyna to take her twin sister's place at the Qatar Open.

Second seed Karolina became the latest big name to withdraw from the tournament in Doha, following in the footsteps of Caroline Wozniacki and Caroline Garcia, among others.

Having been given a first-round bye, the world number five – who won the tournament in 2017 – had been scheduled to face Elise Mertens on Wednesday, but instead it was announced she had pulled out.

Kristyna, ranked 85 places below her sibling, will now compete at the Premier tournament as a lucky loser.

.@KaPliskova has announced her withdrawal from #QatarTotalOpen due to a viral illness and will be replaced by @KrisPliskova https://t.co/x2csR8fMz8 pic.twitter.com/dUZyFDuM7e

— WTA (@WTA) February 13, 2019

The Czech duo were also set to play in the doubles but have been replaced by Ons Jabeur and Alison Riske.

Former world number one Karolina reached the semi-finals at this year's Australian Open, losing to eventual winner Naomi Osaka.