“Sharapova and Serena Were Huge Personalities”: Karolina Pliskova Unmasks Where WTA Is Missing the Buck in Promoting Tennis

Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams left their unique marks on the tennis world. They made unmatched sacrifices during their illustrious careers, and their achievements are a testament to that. However, with their retirement, the WTA is missing a stalwart who could match their contribution to expanding the appeal of women’s tennis. Recently, former World No.1 Karolina Pliskova, highlighted how women’s tennis is suffering with the absence of legendary players like Williams and Sharapova.

The 31-year-old missed the latter part of this season owing to an injury. She’ll be looking to get back fit in time for the upcoming season. Here’s what she said about the void Sharapova and Williams have left.

Karolina Pliskova highlights a glaring problem in women’s tennis

Czech tennis star Karolina Pliskova appeared in an interview recently where she talked about various subjects like her injury and potential comeback next year. Further, she also went on to talk about legends like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. Pliskova was asked about the evolution of the WTA now that the likes of Sharapova and Williams have retired.

Replying to this question, she said, “I guess not only I feel that it’s not entirely ideal, even though each of today’s top girls has something to offer. I won’t comment on the tennis aspect, but charisma plays a role too. Sharapova and Serena were huge personalities, even in the marketing world. You can’t compare today’s girls with them. And I think that in this situation, the WTA isn’t helping much either.”

Further, Pliskova went on to add, “It doesn’t seem to me that they promote it well. Women’s tennis now seems sidelined, not as many people go to it as before. When I was playing well and these big names were still active, the level of everything around was higher.”

Pliskova and Williams have had an intriguing rivalry. The two have faced off against each other on 4 occasions and both have won 2 matches apiece. Pliskova once revealed how Williams gave her opponents a run for their money.

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When Pliskova was in awe of Williams

Early 2020, Serena Williams won her first title in three years. It came in Auckland ahead of the Australian Open. Karolina Pliskova too won the title in Brisbane around that time and she was asked about Williams’ title-winning run in Auckland.

Talking about this, she said, “I think for sure she did some work in the off-season, too, so she’s quite strong and she looks quite pumped, she was playing doubles too, so I think she’s going to be always tough no matter which ranking she is, no matter I think which age she is. So she’s going to be always tough.”

While replacing the likes of Williams and Sharapova is impossible, players like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek couldstep up and try to fill the void. However, only time will tell when the WTA will find the next legend after great players like Williams and Sharapova.

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