BERLIN — Marketa Vondrousova, the 2019 French Open finalist and 2023 Wimbledon champion, secured her first title since lifting the Venus Rosewater Dish two years ago by defeating Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu in straight sets (6-4, 6-2) at the Berlin Open final on Sunday.
A Triumphant Return to Form
The Czech left-hander, who had struggled with injuries and inconsistent form since her historic Wimbledon victory, delivered a masterclass on Berlin’s grass courts. Vondrousova’s victory marks her sixth career WTA title and her first on grass outside of Wimbledon. "It’s been a tough journey, but this feels amazing," she said in her post-match interview.
Wang Xinyu, ranked No. 42 and playing her first WTA 500 final, put up a valiant fight but was ultimately outclassed by Vondrousova’s precision and variety. The Chinese player had stunned the field by defeating top-10 opponents en route to the final, including a quarterfinal win over world No. 6 Maria Sakkari.
Key Moments of the Match
Vondrousova’s trademark drop shots and angled backhands proved decisive. She broke Wang’s serve early in both sets, capitalizing on her opponent’s nerves. The match’s turning point came in the first set at 4-4, where Vondrousova saved two break points with clutch serving before breaking Wang in the next game.
Wang, known for her powerful baseline game, struggled to adapt to Vondrousova’s crafty playstyle. "She’s so tricky—every ball is different," Wang admitted afterward. "I tried to stay aggressive, but she was just better today."
By the Numbers
- Vondrousova won 78% of her first-serve points compared to Wang’s 62%.
- The Czech converted 4 of 7 break points, while Wang managed just 1 of 4.
- Vondrousova hit 22 winners to Wang’s 14, with only 12 unforced errors.
Road to the Final
Vondrousova’s path to the title included impressive wins over former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka and rising star Anna Kalinskaya. Her semifinal victory over Kalinskaya, a three-set thriller (7-6, 4-6, 6-3), showcased her resilience after a mid-match dip in form.
Wang, meanwhile, became the first Chinese qualifier to reach a WTA 500 final since Zheng Saisai in 2019. Her run included upsets over Sakkari and defending champion Petra Kvitova. "I’m proud of my week, but I know I have more to improve," Wang reflected.
What This Means for Wimbledon
With Wimbledon just two weeks away, Vondrousova’s Berlin triumph positions her as a dark horse to defend her title. Grass has historically been her weakest surface, but her recent performances suggest a newfound comfort on the lawns. "I feel confident here now," she said. "Wimbledon is special, but I’m just taking it one match at a time."
Wang, despite the loss, will rise to a career-high ranking inside the top 35. Her aggressive style could make her a dangerous floater at the All England Club. "Grass is fun, and I’m learning fast," she said with a smile.
Reactions from the Tennis World
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli praised Vondrousova’s adaptability: "Marketa has this rare ability to disrupt rhythm. On grass, that’s gold. She’s a real threat if she stays healthy."
Wang’s coach, Pere Riba, highlighted her progress: "Xinyu’s mentality is improving. Today was a lesson, but she’ll grow from it."
Looking Ahead
Vondrousova will skip Eastbourne to rest before Wimbledon, while Wang heads to Bad Homburg for another grass-court tune-up. The Czech’s victory in Berlin sends a clear message: she’s far from done making history on grass.
As the tennis world shifts focus to SW19, Vondrousova’s resurgence adds intrigue to an already wide-open women’s field. "Last year was a dream," she said. "Now I want to prove it wasn’t a fluke."