‘It is super weak’ from men to complain about equal prize money, says Karolina Pliskova

World No 3 Karolina Pliskova has called male tennis players who complain about women claiming equal prize money “super weak”.
The Czech player, who returns to action in the newly-created LiveScore Cup in Prague next week, insists she does not crave equal pay but is not happy about men who speak out against it.
View this post on Instagram
Konec srandy, trenér dorazil! 🙊Finally, the coach is here! Let’s hit some balls! 🎾
There is currently equal pay at the four Grand Slams, but a big disparity during the rest of the year.
Asked whether a possible merge between the two tours should bring equal pay, Pliskova, who is coached by Andy Murray’s former coach Dani Vallverdu, told the PA news agency: “I don’t think so and I am not the one who wants it.
“But I don’t like the men who are complaining that we would get the same money. I think it is super weak from them that they complain we have the same money as them.
“The only time it is true is at Grand Slams. I understand they play longer, but they are men. They are stronger than us.
“I don’t see the reason why we should compare each other.
“I don’t need to have the same prize money as men. But to have the same chance to play on centre court or to have the same chance to be on TV, that should be possible with these changes.”
Pliskova, who reached the US Open final in 2016, is among a growing number of players – from both Tours – who would support the merge.
She added: “I think for the women’s tour it can only help. I don’t know exactly what they are discussing but if there is any chance to say yes, then I would say yes.
“It needs to be positive also for the ATP so they need to find a balance so it is a forward step for both. It might take a couple of years to get going. It will be different, but I don’t think for the players it would change that much. It would be a good step.”
Pliskova has not played since the Qatar Open in February due to the coronavirus pandemic shutting down the WTA Tour, and there will be no resumption before the end of July.
But the 28-year-old, who says she would be happy to travel to America for the scheduled hard-court swing in August, is primed to return to action in the LiveScore Cup.
Pliskova will be joined by her twin sister Kristyna, Marketa Vondrousova, Karolina Muchova, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Barbora Strycova for a behind-closed-doors round-robin tournament in Prague.
“I am excited, it has been a long time, I am missing the matches, I have been playing with guys and coaches so I am looking forward to playing with girls,” she said.
“I like matches, I am always looking forward to tournaments. It has been a long few months since my last match. I am never injured. I am sure it is going to be good quality matches, there are only good-quality girls.”
:: Karolina Pliskova was speaking ahead of the ‘LiveScore Cup’, which runs from June 3-6. Fans can follow the on-court scores and stats in real-time on LiveScore’s iOS and Android app or at LiveScore.com
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Coco Gauff breaks through another prize money barrier with latest win in China
Coco Gauff is second on the prize money list in the women’s game in 2023.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Agonising default in Shanghai as ball smashes into umpire at high speed
Polmans his out-of-control swipe had desperate consequences as he smashed the ball at the chair umpire and was given an instant default.
-
Australian Open
Australian Open chiefs announce huge schedule change for first Grand Slam of 2024
The new Sunday start will see an increase in the number of sessions across the three arenas from 47 to 52.
-
Olympics
Will Novak Djokovic play until 2028 if his Olympic dream is shattered in Paris?
Will Novak Djokovic play at the 2028 Olympics?
-
News
Why did Ryder Cup hero Rory McIlroy break up with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki?
Rory McIlroy broke up with Caroline Wozniacki just as they started making wedding plans in 2014.
-
Tennis News
Coco Gauff gets fired up to prove her haters wrong again
Coco Gauff thrives on proving the haters wrong.
-
Tennis News
Iga Swiatek backs WTA in contentious performance bye rule change
Iga Swiatek feels that the performance byes are a good thing.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner not at 100 per cent while Carlos Alcaraz has ‘extra confidence’ ahead of Beijing showdown
Carlos Alcaraz has ‘extra confidence’ as he prepares to face Jannik Sinner.
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz’s comments reveal killer mindset as he beats Casper Ruud in China
Carlos Alcaraz suggested he sent a big psychological message to Casper Ruud early in their match in China.
-
Tennis News
Former Wimbledon champion on why Carlos Alcaraz is no match for Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are battling to claim the year-end No 1 ranking on the ATP Tour.