Marketa Vondrousova has once again captured the tennis world’s attention with a stunning upset over world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the Berlin Open. The Czech star, ranked 164th globally and on a comeback trail following a shoulder surgery that sidelined her for three months, defeated Sabalenka 6-2, 6-4 in the semi-finals on Saturday, June 21, 2025. This victory not only secured Vondrousova’s place in her first final since her triumphant 2023 Wimbledon campaign but also marked her first career win against a reigning world number one.
Vondrousova’s performance was a masterclass in composure and tactical execution on grass, a surface that demands both precision and aggression. From the outset, she controlled the tempo, breaking Sabalenka twice in the first set while successfully defending both break points she faced. The 25-year-old Czech wrapped up the set 6-2 in just over 40 minutes, showcasing a blend of powerful serving and sharp baseline play.
Sabalenka, who had shown tremendous resilience the day before by saving four match points in her quarterfinal win over Elena Rybakina, struggled to find consistency against Vondrousova’s measured game. The Belarusian committed 30 unforced errors, a stark contrast to Vondrousova’s disciplined 12, which proved decisive in the outcome.
The second set turned into a tense battle with early breaks traded between the two. Sabalenka managed to stave off two break points to stay competitive at 3-2. However, the match reached a critical juncture at 4-4 when Vondrousova broke Sabalenka’s serve for the final time. Serving for the match at 5-4, Vondrousova sealed the victory with an ace, a fitting end to a match that lasted one hour and twenty minutes.
Reflecting on her performance, Vondrousova told the WTA Tour website, “I feel like on grass you have to take risks, you know, and that was the point; I was like, okay, let's try. The match would continue otherwise, so you have to go for it. I was feeling really well today so, yeah, I'm just very happy.” She also expressed gratitude for her return to form, saying, “I didn't play for a long time, so I'm just so happy to be back healthy and so grateful to play these matches. When I saw the field, I was like, okay, let's try to win the first round, and now this is happening. So thank you guys for the support.”
Vondrousova’s journey to the Berlin final has been remarkable, especially considering her ranking and recent injury setbacks. Her resilience and determination have clearly paid off, making her a formidable contender once again on the WTA Tour.
In the other Berlin Open semi-final, Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu secured her spot in the final with a commanding 6-4, 6-1 victory over 2021 Berlin Open champion Liudmila Samsonova. Wang, ranked 49th in the world and just 23 years old, has enjoyed a breakout week in Berlin, including a notable win against second seed Coco Gauff in the round of 16.
Wang’s semi-final match saw her take an early lead, building a 5-2 advantage in the first set before Samsonova attempted a comeback. However, Wang maintained her composure, converting her fourth set point to close out the set. She dominated the second set by breaking Samsonova for a 3-1 lead, saving two break points to hold serve at 4-1, and breaking again for 5-1. She calmly served out the match to reach her first WTA singles final in just one hour and fifteen minutes.
Speaking about her performance, Wang said, “This week has been a dream for me. I've been playing unbelievable tennis here. I don't know, it's something with Berlin I guess. Coming to every match here, I wasn't expecting anything, you know. For me, it was really just to enjoy the stage... We're always saying that (you should) celebrate before the final because if you lose that, you don't celebrate anything for this incredible week.”
Meanwhile, on the ATP Tour, Daniil Medvedev reached the Halle Open final after a grueling three-hour battle with world number three Alexander Zverev. Medvedev triumphed 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (1-7), 6-4 in a match that tested both players’ stamina and mental toughness. This final appearance marks Medvedev’s first in 15 months, a significant milestone given his recent struggles.
The Russian, ranked 11th, wasted three match points in the second set but ultimately prevailed. He also required treatment for a nosebleed at 4-4 in the opening set, an issue that had also affected him during his quarter-final match on Friday. Despite these challenges, Medvedev maintained his composure and praised his performance: “I am happy with my level, I played great. I would have loved to finish on the match points [in the second set]. The first one I went for it and missed it. The second one I went a bit slower to wait for a mistake and he made a great point. I am happy to win in the end.”
Medvedev’s opponent in the Halle final will be Alexander Bublik, who upset eighth seed Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 in the other semi-final. Bublik, ranked 45th, has been in strong form throughout the tournament and will provide a stern test for Medvedev as he looks to break a streak of five consecutive ATP final losses since his last title at the Italian Open in May 2023.
The tennis world now eagerly awaits the Berlin Open final on Sunday, June 22, 2025, where Marketa Vondrousova will face Wang Xinyu in what promises to be a fascinating clash between a seasoned champion making a comeback and a rising star enjoying her breakthrough week. Both players have defied expectations to reach this stage, setting the scene for an enthralling conclusion to the tournament.
As Vondrousova continues to rebuild her career post-injury and Wang seeks to capitalize on her momentum, tennis fans are reminded of the sport’s unpredictability and the thrilling narratives that unfold on grass courts each summer.
