Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 November 2022 – Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova also affectionately known as the #AceQueen by being the world’s best-serving female tennis player since 2015, is coming to South Africa! Pliskova will be playing at the Africa Cares Women’s Tennis Challenge that is set to take place on the 3rd and 4th of December at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
The former world number 1 of the Women’s Tennis Association is the new replacement of Romanian Tennis player, Simona Halep at the Africa Cares Tennis Challenge who is currently dealing with her suspension.
Karolina Pliskova who won her first WTA Tour Title in 2013, whilst beating Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the finals is ecstatic to not only showcase the necessary skills and discipline required to be a successful tennis player but using tennis as a vehicle for change on devastating issues such as gender-based violence.
“I am always happy to be a part of a good cause hence why I started my charitable project #AceQueen. So being a part of Africa Cares Women’s Tennis Challenge which is not only about tennis but is also a campaign on putting a spotlight on stopping gender-based violence in South Africa is commendable to be a part of whilst playing a sport I love,” said Karolina Pliskova.

the former world number one first-ever Czech female player is British tennis sensation, Francesca Jones. The 22-year old won three consecutive matches at the Australian Open in 2021, which helped her qualify for her first grand slam.
Francesca, who is born with a rare genetic condition called Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia (EED) syndrome (she was born with three fingers and a thumb on each hand, three toes on her right foot and four toes on her left) has been an inspiration to many. This has not stopped her from participating and becoming a rising tennis star and is taking this opportunity at the Africa Cares Women’s Tennis Challenge to inspire those who feel as though they are limited because of any condition they have.
“As a person living with EED, I faced many obstacles but this did not stop me from participating in a sport that I enjoy. I am glad I get to show that to the crowd in South Africa and hopefully also help those who are experiencing any form of obstacles that anything is possible if you put your mind to it,” said Francesca Jones.
Joining Francesca Jones and Karolina Pliskova will be tennis players Sloane Stephens, Ons Jabeur, Dustin Brown, Martina Hingis, Khololwam Montsi and Isabella Kruger.

For those interested in watching this tournament live, tickets are available for purchase on https://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]