Men’s tennis wages gripe is branded ‘super weak’

WORLD number three Karolina Pliskova has called male tennis players who complain about women claiming equal prize money ‘super weak’.

The Czech player, who returns to action in the newly-created LiveScore Cup in Prague next week, insists she does not crave equal pay but is not happy about men who speak out against it.

It is an issue that is sure to raise its head over the coming months following the recent calls for a merger between the men’s ATP and women’s WTA tours - something Pliskova supports. There is currently equal pay at the four grand slams, but a big disparity during the rest of the year.

Asked whether a possible merger between the two tours should bring equal pay, Pliskova, who is coached by Andy Murray’s former coach Dani Vallverdu, told the PA news agency: “I don’t think so and I am not the one who wants it.

“But I don’t like the men who are complaining that we would get the same money. I think it is super weak from them that they complain we have the same money as them.

“The only time it is true is at grand slams. I understand they play longer, but they are men.

“They are stronger than us. I don’t see the reason why we should compare each other.

“I don’t need to have the same prize money as men.

“But to have the same chance to play on centre court or to have the same chance to be on TV, that should be possible with these changes.”

Pliskova, who reached the US Open final in 2016, is among a growing number of players - from both tours who would support the merger.