Pliskova‘s Return Sparks Debate Over Training vs.Match Intensity
CALDAS DA RAINHA, PORTUGAL – Karolina Pliskova’s highly anticipated return to the WTA tour following a lengthy hiatus has ignited discussion among fans and commentators, centering on her candid admission that she feels she “runs little” during matches and the stark difference between training and competitive play. The 33-year-old is working her way back into form, participating in smaller tournaments ahead of the Asian swing and the WTA Finals.
Pliskova, a 2016 US Open finalist and 2021 Wimbledon finalist, revealed in a recent podcast appearance - alongside husband Michal Hrdlička, twin sister Kristýna Plíšková, and commentator František Hašl - that she experienced notable physical strain during her initial matches back.She described feeling “sharp” after completing a two-hour and 40-minute match,following a week of two five-hour contests,emphasizing that match intensity is incomparable to any training regimen. “I am such a stupid type that I will not get into such a rhythm and as a level as in the match,” she stated.
A seemingly off-the-cuff remark about her running during matches – “I run much more in the match AI when someone comes, that I run little, so I run less in training” – resonated with listeners, prompting laughter and further debate about her approach to physical readiness. Pliskova clarified that matches are “much more demanding for me both physically and mentally.”
Her return to competition began at the WTA125 event in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, where she secured a 6:1, 4:6, 7:5 victory over Tessah Andrianjafitrim in the first round before falling to polina Jacenkova 7:5, 4:6, 4:6 in the second. Despite the loss, Pliskova expressed satisfaction with earning a win after a long absence, noting the psychological boost of securing that initial victory.
Fans can follow Pliskova’s progress and the remainder of the WTA season live on CANAL+ Sport, which will broadcast major tournaments including events in Beijing and Wu-chan, and also the WTA Finals in Riyadh.The network will also feature the Openti Expert Studio with guest analysis.
