The US Open has been consigned to the history books for 2025 but the tennis calendar shows no sign of slowing down.

Aryna Sabalenka sent a message to Amanda Anisimova after beating her in Saturday’s final, and those two players may well take a short break after their exploits.

For other players, however, there are still WTA ranking points to play for and a number of tournaments are on the horizon that will be anticipated by a number of lower-ranked players.

Venus Williams was praised by Leylah Fernandez for her form in the women’s doubles at the US Open and maybe star players making a return to the game is becoming the norm.

Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic talks to the media after defeating Tessah Andrianjafitrimo of France in her first round match on Day 3 at Roland Garros.Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesKarolina Pliskova signs up to play tournament in Portugal

Pliskova has never actually officially announced her retirement from the tour, but last played a match in 2024.

That came at the US Open, where she beat Mayar Sherif from Egypt before being forced to withdraw injured before a second-round clash with Jasmine Paolini.

Now, Pliskova, renowned previously as an ‘Ace Queen’, has entered the tournament in Portugal, which is considered a WTA 125 event.

Pliskova has been given a wildcard for the event and will join Great Britain star Harriet Dart in the main draw of the tournament.

Harmony Tan was praised earlier this year and she hopes to join Pliskova in the main draw at the event.

Pliskova reached the Wimbledon final in 2021

It’s quite remarkable that Pliskova dropped so far down the rankings despite reaching the Wimbledon showpiece match as recently as 2021.

Ash Barty beat her on that day, but Pliskova overcame Sabalenka and Donna Vekic on her way to a second major final.

Pliskova is currently ranked at number 125 in the world and a comeback does feel unlikely at 33-years-old.

However, it’s great to see her playing once again, and perhaps taking some confidence from playing a WTA 125 event will give her encouragement to play more frequently.

Pliskova has won 17 career titles, and for a lowly event in Portugal, her presence should at the very least entice a few more spectators to the event.