For decades, Czech women’s tennis has quietly produced world-class players, but the last 20 years have seen a transformation from potential to powerhouse. What began as a trickle of talent has now become a full-fledged wave; players from Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have collected 21 Grand Slam singles titles since the start of the Open Era. In 2023 when Marketa Vondrousova was asked about the secret to their massive success, she said, among other reasons, “In Czech we have so many great players. We also support each other. It’s very nice to see.” But with the high intensity of tennis matches, sometimes that support transforms into something more volatile.

It was a brisk evening in Japan when Marketa Vondrousova found herself in an unexpected predicament. Facing compatriot Karolina Muchova in the R32 of the Japan Open, the 26-year-old had to make the difficult decision to retire mid-match, citing physical discomfort. But the moment quickly spiraled into controversy because her compatriot, Karolina Pliskova, wasn’t too pleased with this withdrawal. “For Markéta, it was especially uncomfortable. She lost to Karolína now in Tokyo, Ningbo, and also a big match in Indian Wells,” stated Pliskova in a podcast appearance.

She continued, “Today, in my opinion, Markéta had absolutely no chance. I give credit to Karolína Muchová — she played great.” Not only that, she further added, “Maybe Markéta had some pain, but I think she saw she didn’t have a chance and therefore retired. I’ll probably get hate again, but let me say it.” But upon seeing her comments, Vondrousova hit back at Pliskova through her Instagram Story.

She shared Pliskova’s words with the following caption: “Anyone who has ever played with an injury knows that sometimes you just can’t go on. I’m doubly aware of this after a shoulder injury. I don’t understand why someone who should understand it the most is questioning this. This podcast is a complete winner. @karolinapliskova @raketypodcast.”

While her Japan Open may not have ended the way she planned, Vondrousova’s handling of the post-match chatter showcased her resilience. It was a reminder to the tennis world: in the heat of competition, it’s not just the victories that define a player, but also the way they respond to criticism. However, this was her third walkover of the season after the Adelaide International and the US Open.

But let’s take a look at the rivalry between these Czech superstars. Pliskova has a 3-1 record against Vondrousova, but with this favorable result at the Japan Open, Muchova has leveled it at 3-3 with Marketa Vondrousova. What did Karolina Muchova say after this match, though?

“It’s not the way I wanted to win“—Karolina Muchova’s reaction to Marketa Vondrousova’s mid-match retirement

Marketa Vondrousova, know for her resilience and tactical brilliance, had been showing glimpses of her best form this season. Currently ranked 34th in the world, Vondrousova played just 29 matches this season and won 18 out of them. She also clinched a title at the Grass Court Championships in Berlin by defeating China’s Wang Xinyu by 7-6(10), 4-6, 6-2. Fans were eager to see if she would convert her strong performances into deep runs at high-profile tournaments and end the year on a positive note. But the injury in Tokyo dashed those hopes.

Following this disappointing ending to her Japan Open campaign, Marketa Vondrousova announced that her season is now over. She shared an emotional post on IG with the caption, “honestly… probably the hardest one of my life. not just because of the pain, but because keeping your head up when things don’t go your way is a whole different sport. i’ve learned that being healthy — like really healthy — is the most important thing. body, mind, everything. so yeah, ending the season in pain again wasn’t the plan, but that’s life.”

She also thanked the people who supported in all the good and bad times and also expressed her pride in making it through all the “chaos.” But that’s not how a blockbuster clash between two Czech superstars should’ve ended, right?

Her opponent in this match, Karolina Muchova, expressed her disappointment, saying, “Of course, I’m happy to be in the second round. But it’s not the way I wanted to win against a good friend, so I feel for her.” She further added, “It’s my first time playing here on this court, so I’m glad there are people who have come to support. And, yeah, I just wish Marketa all the best and to get healthy.”

Although Muchova has made some promising runs this year, she is yet to win a title. Do you think this is a real chance for her to end the season on a high note?