Vondrousova beats Sabalenka to clinch Berlin Final ticket

Wimbledon 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova pulled off a remarkable upset at the Berlin Open, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets to book her place in Sunday’s final. The Czech left-hander, who is still making her way back after shoulder surgery, secured a 6-2 6-4 victory—her first appearance in a final since lifting the Wimbledon trophy last summer.

Ranked 164th in the world following her lengthy layoff, Vondrousova admitted she came into the tournament with modest expectations.

“I didn’t play for such a long time. I’m just really happy to be healthy again and so grateful for every match,” she told the WTA website. “When I saw the draw here, I was just hoping to win a round. And now I’m in the final—it’s amazing.”

Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, was broken twice in the opening set and though she briefly led 2-0 in the second, Vondrousova responded immediately. After a tense stretch where both players held serve, the 25-year-old Czech broke again at 5-4 before serving out the match.

Vondrousova will now face Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu, who continued her dream run by defeating former Berlin champion Liudmila Samsonova 6-4 6-1 in the other semi-final.

“This whole week feels unreal,” Wang said after reaching her first career WTA singles final. “I had no expectations—just wanted to enjoy the opportunity.”

Medvedev Holds Off Zverev to Set Up Halle Final

Meanwhile, in Halle, Germany, Daniil Medvedev outlasted Alexander Zverev in a gripping three-set semi-final to earn his spot in the Halle Open final. The Russian, currently ranked 11th in the world, triumphed 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (1-7) 6-4 after more than three hours of action.

Medvedev, who is seeking his first title since winning the Italian Open in May 2023, will face Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in Sunday’s final. Bublik overcame eighth seed Karen Khachanov in a tight 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 contest.

“It was a long one today,” Medvedev said. “I’m pleased with my game overall. I would’ve liked to close it out earlier, but Zverev played some fantastic points.”

The match saw Medvedev again require medical attention for a nosebleed, a repeat of the issue he encountered in his previous round. Despite the setback, he managed to end his five-match losing streak in finals and now has a chance to claim his first ATP title in over a year.