The Czech Karolina Pliskova has won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. In addition to the winning bonus of 113,060 euros, the former world number one was delighted with a red sports car with 365 hp from the main sponsor. The only problem for Pliskova on a perfect final day: The 26-year-old has no driving licence at all. “But that’s the best motivation to do it now,” she said.
By Ulrike Weinrich from Stuttgart
Angelique Kerber has made two rapid turns across the Centre Court in the Porsche Arena over the past three years. Last April it was Laura Siegemund, who steered the glossy eyecatcher down the ramp quite confidently and turned her lap with mighty horsepower under the hood.
Pliskova (26), the new Queen of Stuttgart, could not keep up with the winners of the last years at least in terms of driving skills. Just like semi-finalist Caroline Garcia (France), number six in the WTA ranking has not yet obtained a driving licence. This led to Porsche CEO Oliver Blume chauffeuring the tournament winner into the final with the red car against Coco Vandeweghe (USA) after 7:6 (7:2), 6:4.
“I wanted to get my driver’s license last year, but with our tournament schedule it’s difficult. Maybe this year,” Pliskova said, stressing: “I hope to return next year, I’ll have him.”
Her twin sister Kristyna, against whom she will play curiously on Tuesday in the first round of the home tournament in Prague, is in possession of the “Lappens”. “But only two years,” reported Karolina Pliskova – and grinned a little embarrassed.
In the Stuttgart final, however, the 2016 US Open finalist sat on the “Drivers Seat”. In the tie-break of the first round, Pliskova (11 aces) took the next six points after trailing 1:2 – and the set after 58 minutes. As a result, she was also more captain than co-driver – as later in her winning trip with a new car.
Pliskova led 5:2 after two breaks, then showed again nerves and was broken. Finally, she took the lead and celebrated her tenth World Championship title – the second on clay after Prague 2015 – if it wasn’t for her driver’s license…!!