Karolina Pliskova advanced to the quarterfinals at the HSBC Championships, according to CR Today. The former World No. 1 is on track for a strong return to form after a significant injury layoff, which forced her to relearn how to walk following surgery.
What happened
During their second-round match at the HSBC Championships in London, Karolina Pliskova witnessed Victoria Mboko slip on the grass and cry out in pain, leading to her retirement. Pliskova, who has undergone a similar experience, expressed her sympathy in a post-match press conference. “I felt really bad for her,” Pliskova said. “If she felt something that moved in the knee, then I think something for sure happened.”[3]
Pliskova faced a severe injury during the 2024 US Open, where she pulled up just three points into a match against Jasmine Paolini. Initially, medical exams showed no serious issues, yet it turned out that all the ligaments and both tendons in her left ankle had ruptured. “Only the bones were holding it together,” she recalled. The injury led to surgery and a challenging recovery process where she had to relearn how to walk.
“You forget how to walk, you lose all the muscles, all the mobility,” Pliskova explained. “The ankle is difficult because all your body is on it.” Despite these challenges, her current season displays remarkable progress, with a 16-7 record and her impending return to the Top 100 rankings.
Why it matters
Pliskova’s comeback signifies a crucial moment in her career. Overcoming a debilitating injury to return to competitive tennis demonstrates her determination and resilience. The pressure to perform at a high level increases as she prepares for major tournaments like Wimbledon, where expectations will be high given her previous experience at the event.[1]
Reaching the Top 100 once again may influence her opportunities in future competitions, increasing the stakes as she aims for a title at prestigious events.
Background
On May 20, 2024, Pliskova’s career faced a major setback due to her ankle injury during the US Open. Following her surgery, she went through a challenging recovery that included medical procedures to address complications. Pliskova sought to return to competitive play only to face delays and setbacks, including a minor issue in her other leg last September.
Despite these challenges, Pliskova remained committed to her sport, eventually transitioning to a more competitive environment after initially taking part in WTA 125 events in September 2024.
What’s next
Pliskova is set to face either compatriot Marie Bouzkova or lucky loser Donna Vekic in the quarterfinals at Queen’s. A win would mark her first semifinal appearance since Nottingham in 2024.[2]
