A war of words has erupted between two of the Czech Republic’s best tennis players after Barbora Strycova accused Karolina Pliskova of taking her coach behind her back.
Tomas Krupa is one of the country’s most prestigious coaches and has worked with some of the biggest names. Including a five-year stint with Tomas Berdych. Krupa has been mentoring Strycova this season, but was approached by Pliskova’s management following the US Open. In a Facebook post, Strycova has claimed that she was informed by a text message that Krupa will start working with Pliskova following that meeting.
“After the us open, Caroline told me at a meeting that she wanted my coach and that during the meeting, her manager is on his way with an offer. Then my coach wrote to me and called me that he cannot continue with me because he accepted the offer. I was very sad. Especially because of the way I learned it.” Strycova wrote.
“I did not understand the way I got into this situation from an hour to an hour and I was sad that my coach did not sit down with me to talk about it.” She later added.
Recently speaking to the media about the controversy, Strycova said she no longer regards the world No.3 as a friend of hers. Not due to the fact she has lost her coach, but because of the manner it was conducted.
“I would not use my friend’s word in relation to Karolina,” Strycova said, according to Idnes.cz. “Our relationship is zero. When she told me she was interested in my trainer, her manager, Mr. Hrdlička, was already with him. It was born behind my back. “
There has been no comment from Pliskova over the appointment of Krupa. Her manager Michal Hrdlička reluctantly commented by saying that there was nothing unethical about the meeting. Hrdlička is also Pliskova’s fiancee.
“It is not on the agenda to comment on this, Karolina is preparing for the end of the season.” He told Czech media.
“We addressed Tomas Krupa, and he had no commitment for the following year. Carol informed Barbora from eye to eye (face-to-face). That’s what I think is correct.”
There is a possibility that Strycova and Pliskova could play side-by-side in the Fed Cup. The Czech republic will take on Switzerland next year in the first round. Despite the frosty atmosphere between the two, Strycova doesn’t believe it will affect the team should they both be selected.
“Playing in front of the sold out O2 Arena is something amazing and we are fighting for the Czech Republic. Not just for ourselves. Personal disputes are one thing, the second is representation.” She explained.
“So if the captain nominated me, I will be honoured and I will proudly go to the court to win the match. Quietly alongside Karolina.”
Strycova and Pliskopva are two out of three Czech players ranked in the top-30 on the WTA rankings. The other is Petra Kvitova.
