Karolina Pliskova has reignited Czech tennis tensions after accusing compatriot Marketa Vondrousova of “giving up” during her retirement loss to Karolina Muchova at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
The 2023 Wimbledon champion lasted just nine games, trailing 6-2, 1-0 before pulling the plug with a familiar left-shoulder problem. It was her second straight loss to Muchova and another painful reminder of a season haunted by injury.
A Comeback That Keeps Stalling
Vondrousova’s left shoulder has been a recurring nightmare. After undergoing surgery in August 2024, she missed the chance to defend her US Open quarter-final and only tentatively returned at the start of 2025. A short-lived appearance in Adelaide was followed by a withdrawal from Melbourne, her body still refusing to cooperate.
Since then, she’s shown flashes of her old brilliance — winning in Berlin and reaching another US Open quarter-final — but each surge has been followed by another physical setback. A knee issue forced her to pull out before facing Aryna Sabalenka, and now the shoulder has betrayed her again in Tokyo.
Pliskova Pulls No Punches
While most would sympathise, Karolina Pliskova did not. Speaking on Czech tennis podcast Rakety, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist questioned Vondrousova’s decision to quit, implying the match could have been finished.
“I saw both of Karolina Muchova’s and Marketa Vondrousova’s matches. It’s never nice to play the same opponent twice — they’re friends, they train together at Stvanice,” Pliskova said.
“But today, for me, Marketa had absolutely no chance. Karolina played excellently. Maybe Marketa was hurt, but I think she saw she couldn’t win and gave up. I know I’ll get criticised for it — bring it on.”
The comments drew instant attention in Czech sporting circles, not least because Pliskova herself has faced scrutiny in the past for perceived lapses in effort during tough matches.
Vondrousova Fires Back
Vondrousova didn’t let the accusation slide. In an Instagram story, she defended her decision and fired a subtle volley back at her former Fed Cup teammate.
“Anyone who has ever played with an injury knows there are moments you just can’t go on,” she wrote.
“After shoulder surgery, I know this better than anyone. I don’t understand why someone who should understand that the most is questioning it.”
It’s been a difficult twelve months for the left-hander, who has struggled to rediscover her rhythm amid constant rehabilitation. When fit, she remains one of the most versatile and imaginative players on the WTA Tour — but fitness has become her fiercest opponent.
A Czech Rift in the Spotlight
Pliskova’s bluntness is nothing new, but calling out a fellow Czech — especially one still finding her way back from surgery — has divided opinion. For some, it’s classic Pliskova candour; for others, it’s an unnecessary jab at a compatriot in distress. Still, it all feels oddly personal — they’re likely friends off the court, after all. Or perhaps it’s just another case of a podcast doing what podcasts do best: stirring the pot.