Karolína Plíšková Biography: From Junior Grand Slam Champion to Former World No. 1, Comeback Trail, Career Highlights

Karolína Plíšková stands as one of the most powerful servers in women’s tennis history, known for her towering presence, booming ace count, and aggressive baseline game that propelled her to the WTA world No. 1 ranking in 2017. The Czech star has captured 17 WTA singles titles, reached two Grand Slam finals—including a memorable Wimbledon run in 2021—and consistently ranked among the elite for over a decade. In 2026, at age 33, Plíšková is staging a determined comeback after a lengthy ankle injury recovery, turning heads with strong early-season showings in Doha and pushing her way back up the rankings.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Born on March 21, 1992, in the small town of Louny, Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic), Karolína grew up in a sports-oriented family alongside her identical twin sister Kristýna, who is two minutes older and also pursued a professional tennis career. Their parents, Radek and Martina Plíšek, supported their daughters’ early interest in the sport, enrolling them in lessons at age five. The twins quickly showed promise, with Karolína winning the 2010 Australian Open girls’ singles title as a junior, defeating Laura Robson in the final.

Plíšková’s education took a backseat to tennis training, as she focused intensely on the sport from childhood. She turned professional in 2009 at age 17, bypassing traditional schooling to compete on the ITF and WTA circuits. Her upbringing in a tennis-centric environment, combined with natural athleticism and a towering frame, set the stage for her rise as one of the game’s most formidable servers.

Career Journey

Karolína Plíšková’s career spans breakthrough junior success, consistent WTA titles, a stint at world No. 1, and recent resilience amid injury setbacks. With a career record of over 640 wins, she holds the record for the most aces in a single WTA match (31) and ranks among the all-time prize money leaders.

Junior and Early Pro Years (2009–2012)

Plíšková burst onto the scene by claiming the 2010 Australian Open girls’ singles crown. She transitioned quickly to the pros, winning her first WTA title in Kuala Lumpur in 2013. Early years saw steady climbs on the ITF circuit before breaking into the top ranks.

Rise to Elite Status and World No. 1 (2013–2017)

Her aggressive style and massive serve paid dividends in the mid-2010s. Plíšková reached the top 10 in 2015 after a runner-up finish in Stanford, joining fellow Czechs Petra Kvitová and Lucie Šafářová in the top 10—a WTA first for three from the same nation. She claimed the world No. 1 ranking in July 2017, holding it for eight weeks.

Grand Slam Finals and Consistency (2018–2024)

Plíšková reached her first major final at the 2021 US Open (lost to emma raducanu) and made Wimbledon 2021 final (lost to Ashleigh Barty). She added titles like Brisbane (2020) and Cluj-Napoca (2024), her 17th singles crown. Doubles success included five WTA titles.

Career Stats: Key Highlights

• Singles Titles: 17 WTA
• Doubles Titles: 5 WTA
• Career Win-Loss: 644–376 (singles, approx.)
• Highest Ranking: No. 1 (singles, 2017); No. 11 (doubles)
• Career Prize Money: Over $26 million (as of early 2026)
• Grand Slam Best: Finals at Wimbledon 2021 and US Open 2021

Comeback in 2026 After Injury Hiatus

Plíšková suffered a severe left ankle injury at the 2024 US Open, requiring multiple surgeries and missing nearly all of 2025. Returning in late 2025/early 2026, she showed grit at the Australian Open (reached third round, beating Sloane Stephens before falling to defending champion Madison Keys). In Doha 2026, she upset third seed amanda anisimova (who retired injured) to reach the third round, marking her first top-10 win since 2024. Ranked around No. 418 early in the year, she’s climbing steadily, planning big events like Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami while managing her recovery cautiously.

Personal Life

Plíšková maintains a private life focused on family and philanthropy. She resides in Monte Carlo and enjoys a stable marriage while supporting causes close to her heart.

Family and Marriage

Married to Czech TV presenter and sports analyst Michal Hrdlička since 2018 in Monaco. Michal also serves as her manager. No children together, but she is a stepmother to Linda (from Michal’s prior relationship). Her twin sister Kristýna retired from pro tennis but remains close.

Hobbies and Interests

An avid fresh-water fisher, Plíšková unwinds outdoors. Through her foundation, she supports pediatric oncology and children with cancer in the Czech Republic.

Controversies

Plíšková has largely stayed clear of major controversies, maintaining a professional and low-drama public image throughout her career.

Awards & Achievements

• WTA World No. 1 (2017, 8 weeks)
• 17 WTA singles titles, 5 doubles titles
• Junior Grand Slam: 2010 Australian Open girls’ singles champion
• Grand Slam finals: Wimbledon 2021, US Open 2021
• Fed Cup contributions to Czech victories (hat-trick era)
• Record: Most aces in a WTA match (31)

Physical Statistics

Standing at an imposing 6’1″ (186 cm), Plíšková uses her height for one of the most dominant serves on tour. She weighs around 154 lbs (70 kg), with a right-handed playing style and two-handed backhand. Her athletic build supports powerful groundstrokes and net play.

Quotes

• “I feel like no time has passed… I’m doing ok.” – On her 2026 comeback momentum after Doha upset.
• “My body is not completely ready for a heavy schedule… I need to see after every week how I feel.” – Reflecting on cautious planning post-injury.

Favorites

• Hobby: Fresh-water fishing
• Cause: Pediatric oncology support via her foundation

Salary & Net Worth

Plíšková’s career prize money exceeds $26 million (WTA all-time leaders list, early 2026), with additional earnings from endorsements (Fila clothing/footwear, Babolat rackets). Net worth estimates range from $15–20 million in 2026, bolstered by consistent top earnings and smart management. Recent 2026 prize money: over $215,000 YTD from early tournaments.

Interesting Facts

• She and twin Kristýna were the first twins to win a WTA doubles title together (2013).
• Holds the WTA record for most aces in a match (31).
• Changed her official name to Karolína Hrdličková after marriage but competes as Plíšková.
• Turned down heavy schedules in 2026 to prioritize ankle recovery.

Did You Know?

Plíšková’s powerful serve once led to her being dubbed the “Ace Queen,” and she’s among the few players to reach No. 1 without a Grand Slam title at the time.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @karolinapliskova (active with training updates and comeback posts)
• Official WTA Profile: wtatennis.com/players/313974/karolina-pliskova

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Karolína Plíšková in 2026?
She’s 33, born on March 21, 1992.

What is Karolína Plíšková’s height?
She stands at 6 feet 1 inch (186 cm), making her one of the tallest players on the WTA Tour.

Who is Karolína Plíšková’s husband?
She’s married to Michal Hrdlička, a Czech TV presenter who also manages her career.

Does Karolína Plíšková have children?
No, she has no children, though her husband has a daughter from a previous relationship.

What is Karolína Plíšková’s net worth in 2026?
Estimates place it around $15–20 million, driven by over $26 million in career prize money and endorsements.

How is Karolína Plíšková doing in her 2026 comeback?
After missing most of 2025 due to ankle surgery, she’s back with strong results—like upsetting Amanda Anisimova in Doha—and plans to compete in major events while monitoring her recovery.

Conclusion

Karolína Plíšková’s powerful game and resilience have made her a standout in women’s tennis, from junior glory to world No. 1 and now a gritty comeback in 2026. Her journey inspires with determination beyond titles. What’s your favorite Plíšková moment—her big serve or recent returns? Share this profile with fellow tennis fans!