Karolina Pliskova: "Men who complain about equal salaries are super weak"
The world's number three, Karolina Pliskova , spoke in an interview with the PA News Agency about the prize money issue , a possible ATP-WTA merger and her appearances at the LiveScore Cup in Prague.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jun 01, 2020, 12:02 pm
When asked whether there should be an equalization of the price money between women and men, Karolina Pliskova said: "I am not the one who wants it. But I do not like the men who complain that we get the same money I think it's super weak of them to complain that we make the same money as them. " During the COVID 19 interruption of the ATP and WTA tours, Roger Federer once again brought in the idea of a merger for the women and men tours . This could result in a further leveling between men and women when it comes to prize money.
But Pliskova and Andy Murray also know that there are some men who would be a thorn in the side of such a development : "Some men would rather earn less so that they are not on par with the women," the Scot told CNN at the beginning last month. For Pliskova, however, an alignment of the prize money would in no way be a priority: "I see no reason why we should compare ourselves. I do not need the same prize money as the men. But to have the same chance to play on the center court or the same chance having to be on TV should be possible with these changes, " The Guardian quoted the third in the world rankings.
Pliskova at the LiveScore Cup in Prague
According to the Czech, the WTA tour can only benefit from a merger if "there is a chance to say yes, then I would say yes." Of course, it must also be positive for the ATP tour, for Pliskova it is important to find a balance here. "It could take a few years to get started. It will be different, but I don't think it would change that much for the players. It would be a good step," said the 28-year-old.
As is currently the case in many countries, Pliskova will soon start playing tennis again. Together with her twin sister, Kristyna Pliskova, and Marketa Vondrousova, Karolina Muchova, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Barbora Strycova, the third place in the world rankings will be at the LiveScore Cup in Prague. "I'm excited, it's been a long time, I miss the games," said Pliskova. Lately, she's only been training with men and coaches, which is why she is really looking forward to playing against women again.