Karolína Pliskova, the winner of the Cluj trophy in 2024, has received a wild card to participate in the Transylvania Open WTA 250 in 2026. The organizers also announced the granting of other wild cards to Ana Bogdan, Miriam Bulgaru, and young player Elena Ruxandra Bertea. Karolina Pliskova thus joins the 2025 champion, Anastasia Potapova, in the main draw. Although she is recovering from a minor injury, the organizers hope to see her in competition; otherwise, the wild card will be offered to another player, according to informat.ro.
Patrick Ciorcilă, the tournament director, emphasized the importance of supporting Romanian players and expressed joy at Pliskova’s return. The 2026 edition will take place between January 31 and February 7, at BTarena in Cluj-Napoca, with 32 players in singles and 16 teams in doubles. The draw for the matches will take place on January 30, and the competition will also include qualifying matches.
In the rapidly shifting landscape of women’s professional tennis, where teenage prodigies often rise and fall within a single season, Karolina Pliskova remains one of the sport’s most consistent and formidable constants. Known globally as the “Ace Queen,” the Czech statuesque power-hitter continues to be a focal point of the WTA Tour in 2026, balancing her veteran wisdom with the devastating serve that once propelled her to the world number one spot.
While the “Big Three” of the current era dominate headlines, Karolina Pliskova’s career serves as a masterclass in technical precision and psychological composure, proving that “ice-cool” efficiency is a timeless weapon on any surface.
The Anatomy of the Karolina Pliskova Game
Standing at 1.86 meters (6’1″), Karolina Pliskova possesses a natural lever system that makes her serve arguably the most dangerous in the history of the women’s game. Unlike players who rely on extreme topspin or kick, Pliskova’s serve is defined by its flat trajectory and pinpoint placement, making it nearly impossible for opponents to read.
Her game is built on a “first-strike” philosophy:
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The Serve: Frequently leading the WTA in total aces per season, her first serve is a primary point-winner.
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The Forehand: A flat, penetrating shot that takes time away from her opponents.
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Movement and Anticipation: While critics once pointed to her footwork, Pliskova has evolved into a master of court positioning, using her reach to neutralize heavy hitters.
A Career of High Stakes and Hard Courts
Karolina Pliskova’s resume is a testament to her longevity. Since her breakthrough at the 2016 US Open, where she defeated Serena Williams to reach the final, she has been a permanent fixture in the second week of Grand Slams.
Her ascent to World No. 1 in 2017 was a historic moment for Czech tennis, making her the first woman representing the Czech Republic to ever achieve the top ranking (Martina Navratilova reached No. 1 representing the USA). Although a Grand Slam title has remained elusive—with heartbreaking final appearances at the US Open and Wimbledon 2021—her haul of over 16 WTA titles across all surfaces speaks to a versatile excellence.
Foto: Facebook/KarolinaPliskova
