WTA: Martina Navratilova ranks Stuttgart-Champ Karolina Pliskova among the Paris favourites

For icon Martina Navratilova, Karolina Pliskova is a hot contender for the title at the French Open in Paris (from 27 May). Only last weekend, the sixth in the world rankings proved with her triumph at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart that she can also be reckoned with on clay. Navratilova also has a secret recipe for Pliskova.

Advantage, Martina Navratilova! When asked the ultimate question, “Karolina or Kristyna?”, one of the challenges of the women’s tour, the 61-year-old has the best prerequisites for a sense of achievement. When it comes to keeping the identical twin sisters Pliskova (26) apart, Navratilova simply has to shut up – and listen.

“Karolina is very kind and respectful and has always called me’Mrs. Navratilova’. But now she says:’Martina’. Kristyna, however, still calls me:’Mrs. Navratilova’,’ wrote the Czech-born and electoral American in her column on www.wtatennis.com.

For Navratilova, this fact is by no means an indication that Karolina has lost respect for her. No, not that. Rather, she sees it as a sign that the US Open finalist of 2016 has arrived in the world of the great, while Sister Kristyna (WTA No. 74) is unlikely to make the leap into the elite circle.

For Navratilova in any case, Karolina has been one of the top favourites on the Grand Slam coup in Stade Roland Garros long before her somewhat surprising triumph at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix just under a week ago. “She can also develop so much power on sand that she virtually shoots down her opponent. The higher bounce of the ball onto the ashes and her height cause the trajectory of her serve to present the opponent with great problems. Especially her kick serve,” Navratilova said about the 1.86 meter tall former number one in the WTA ranking.

The high jump of the felt ball makes it “invulnerable” even during the second service. The 18-time major winner added that the first serve was “a great weapon” anyway. For Karolina Pliskova (10 WTA trophies), Stuttgart’s success was only her second WTA individual title on clay after her victory at her home game in Prague in 2015.

If it goes to Navratilova, then the “Surface” at the second major event of the season is a perfect match for the 26-year-old from Louny. “The sand is slow enough for her to prepare her blows, but also fast enough for her to use her strength. Like in Stuttgart, the ashes at the French Open are fast, so Karolina’s power pays off on the Paris courts,” said Navratilova.

However, she is aware of Roland Garros’ pitfalls and refers to weather conditions as a major factor. Pliskova has grown tall, “and the wind is a problem for larger professionals, because it is then more difficult for them to find the right stroke position. In addition, Pliskova likes to play close to the lines,” emphasized the 61-year-old. That is another reason why it would be difficult for them in turbulent air conditions.

Rain and then slower conditions could also make Karolina’s life in the French Open days more difficult. “There are these strange days at the other Grand Slams, but they are less pleasant in Paris than in Melbourne, London or New York. When you finish an important match in front of 12 spectators. It’s drizzling, it’s late, it’s getting dark – and you don’t really want to stand on the square,” said Navratilova, who triumphed at the Bois de Boulogne in arrondissement XVI in western Paris in 1982 and 1984.

Pliskova could play her composure into the cards in the nerve-wracking two weeks. “Karolina burns internally, but she remains calm,” Navratilova analysed her countrywoman and stressed: “I like her appearance on the court.”