Marketa Vondrousova has once again proved she’s a player for the big moments. The 25-year-old Czech, ranked No. 164 in the world after a long injury layoff, produced a sensational performance to defeat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-4 at the 2025 Berlin Open, booking her first final appearance since winning Wimbledon in 2023.
💪 A Comeback Story Written in Berlin
Playing in only her fourth tournament since returning from shoulder surgery, Vondrousova showed composure and class against the powerful Sabalenka, breaking the top seed four times and keeping her own unforced errors to just 12. The win marks her first career victory over a reigning World No. 1, a major personal milestone. Sabalenka, despite saving four match points in her previous round against Rybakina, couldn’t find the rhythm to stop the Czech’s momentum.
“I didn’t play for a long time, so I’m just so happy to be back healthy and grateful to play these matches,” Vondrousova said. “When I saw the draw, I just hoped to win one round—now I’m in the final.”
🏆 First Final in Two Years, Against a Surprise Challenger
Vondrousova will now face Wang Xinyu, a 23-year-old Chinese qualifier ranked No. 49, in Sunday’s final. Wang also pulled off a surprise, eliminating 2021 Berlin champion Liudmila Samsonova 6-4, 6-1 in the other semifinal. Earlier in the week, she had stunned World No. 2 Coco Gauff, making this the most impressive run of her career.
“This week has been a dream for me,” Wang shared. “I wasn’t expecting anything. I just wanted to enjoy the moment.”
🎾 Clash of the Underdogs
The Berlin final will be the first-ever meeting between Vondrousova and Wang. It’s a rare WTA final featuring two unseeded players and a powerful reminder of how wide open the women’s game can be—especially on grass. For Vondrousova, it’s a chance to lift her third career title and cap an emotional comeback. For Wang, it’s an opportunity to make history with her first WTA title.
🌱 From Injury to Inspiration
Ranked outside the Top 160 and still on the comeback trail, Marketa Vondrousova’s Berlin run is already one of the most heartwarming stories of the grass-court season. Whether she lifts the trophy or not, she’s shown the tennis world that resilience and belief can conquer any ranking.
Don’t miss this Cinderella finale in Berlin!
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