Aug 6, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Karolina Pliskova (CZE) plays a shot against Nadia Podoroska (ARG, not shown) in first round play at Sobeys Stadium.

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Former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova Makes Thrilling Return to Winning Ways at WTA-125 in Caldas da Rainha

Plíšková is playing her first tournament since the 2024 US Open.

Aug 6, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Karolina Pliskova (CZE) plays a shot against Nadia Podoroska (ARG, not shown) in first round play at Sobeys Stadium.

Karolina Pliskova made a successful return to the WTA circuit after being sidelined with injury for over one year. The 33-year-old Czech starlet defeated Tessah Andrianjafitrimo 6-1 4-6 7-5 to advance to the Round of 16 at the WTA-125 Caldas da Rainha in Portugal. After cruising through the opener with ease, Pliskova was tested and had to dig deep before crossing the finish line.

Despite admitting that she is not 100% fit as yet, Pliskova is gradually easing her way into competitive tennis again. The two-time Grand Slam finalist was awarded a wild-card this week, meaning that she did not have to exercise her protected ranking. In fact, this was the former World No. 1’s first encounter since the 2024 US Open.

“I’m heading to Portugal at the end of the week,” Karolina Pliskova said on Czech podcast ‘Rakety’ ahead of the tournament. “I hope nothing happens to me [before the event]. I’m a bit paranoid, but maybe not. I had planned to play this week, but I had some back problems. If I mentally and physically survive my first match next week, I will go to Asia – where I’d like to play something.”

Karolina Pliskova Survives Humdinger in Portugal

In a new https://t.co/FRdLr6D2BC exclusive, Karolina Pliskova gets candid about her 2024 season and what's next.

To read the full feature 👉 https://t.co/l0f3yPZVKS pic.twitter.com/vnlS0RI9rc
— TENNIS (@Tennis) August 21, 2024

Pliskova was playing her first match after a major foot injury. Having undergone surgeries, rehab and recovery, the fact that she was walking back on court was the biggest relief for tennis fans around the world. In the first set, the three-time Fed Cup champion raced in front – courtesy her trademark forehands. But after the opening set, matters began getting more complicated.

While Czechia’s longstanding veteran is a superstar in her own right, there were clear signs of rust and inefficiency as the match went on. Pliskova, who has won 17 singles trophies and 5 doubles titles on tour, struggled to remain consistent on the return games. She converted merely 7/24 break point opportunities, and allowed Andrianjafitrimo to win 63% first serve points.

In the deciding set, Pliskova was on the brink of defeat. But when it mattered most, the 33-year-old produced her best tennis to turn things around. After 2 hours and 30 minutes of gruelling tennis in the warm Portuguese conditions, the Czech starlet took the third set by 7-5. “For me at the moment, it’s not a matter of tennis. It’s a matter of getting back my physical condition,” she said after the win.

Karolina Pliskova back on court with a good win at the Caldas da Rainha WTA 125.

7-5 in the 3rd, 2h30 over Adrianjafitrimo.

“For me atm it’s not a matter of tennis, it’s a matter of getting back my physical condition”. pic.twitter.com/rF25FuF0gK
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 15, 2025

Karolina Pliskova is set to take on Polina Iatcenko of Russia in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.

(Image Credits: Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)

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Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.