Former world No.1 is playing Roland-Garros qualifying for the first time since 2012
Karolina Pliskova has ruled the tennis world, has competed in two Grand Slam finals, collecting 17 career titles along the way.
The Czech was sidelined for Roland-Garros last summer, but with a switch in mindset the former world No.1 is back in Paris this week - and back to winning ways.
Pliskova opened her Roland-Garros 2026 qualifying campaign with a 0-6, 6-3, 6-1 turnaround against South Korea’s Yeonwoo Ku on Tuesday to set up a meeting with Marina Bassols Ribera.
“I think my year away from tennis (in 2025) gave me a different point of view for life. I really embraced my time away, spent time with my family at home, got some proper rest mentally and physically,” said Pliskova.
“It’s great I can play like this again now. Let’s just see for how long, I don’t have any plans or goals, long term for sure not. As long as I’m enjoying competing and as long as I’m healthy enough then I will be playing.”
Pliskova’s standout career was in jeopardy in late 2024 after tearing through her left ankle ligaments and tendons at the US Open. Two surgeries later, enduring plenty of gruelling rehab, the 34-year-old is finding her groove.
“It’s been pretty difficult, especially with a lot of injuries. After the two surgeries I still didn’t know if I could ever come back, whether the recovery would be successful,” revealed the current world No.109.
“This year is looking pretty good, I’m feeling more comfortable and better each match. The body is getting used to this level again and that’s a relief.
“It feels good to be back. Obviously, I’d like to be in the main draw, but I’m giving myself a chance to be there. I’m still alive,” joked Pliskova. “It was a very slow start for me today, the last two sets were ok, so I’m happy with the win.”
Pliskova’s patience and perseverance has been rewarded in 2026. Most recently, the 34-year-old recorded her first WTA 1000 quarter-final in two years at the Madrid Open, which she backed up with a fourth round run at the WTA 1000 in Rome.
“This all started back in Melbourne, where I won a couple of matches,” revealed Pliskova, who reached the third round at the Australian Open in January.
“That gave me the confidence for me to believe I can still compete at the top level.
“Of course, the motivation in the big tournaments is a lot greater. I feel all my matches this year have been against top girls, who are all pretty solid. I’m getting pretty close to my best level, today was far away, but the past few months have been close.
“I’m happy I can finally find this level again and hopefully that gets me into the main draw.”
The US Open 2016 and Wimbledon 2021 runner-up enjoyed her finest Roland-Garros nine years ago with a semi-final ticket. The Czech’s career has spanned across a few generations, making her the perfect person to reflect on the evolution of the WTA tour.
“Well definitely it’s changing – it’s so much more aggressive in the style of game over the past 10 years. All of the girls just go for it,” suggested the 17-time titlist.
“Before there were players like (Agnieszka) Radwanska, like (Angelique) Kerber, there were far more rallies. Now, it’s more you get one chance to go for it and if you don’t, your opponent will!
“Of course, the quality of the tennis is amazing – especially the top 5 or so - it’s a really good level. At the same time it feels more open. I think we will see many surprises in the draw here.”
ROLAND-GARROS
18 May - 7 June 2026
