Marketa Vondrousova beat world primary Aryna Sabalenka on the Berlin Open to achieve her first closing since profitable the 2023 Wimbledon title.
Vondrousova, who has been working her approach again from shoulder surgical procedure and is ranked 164th on the planet, got here via 6-2 6-4 and can play Chinese language qualifier Wang Xinyu in Sunday’s showpiece in Germany.
“I did not play for a very long time. I’m simply completely satisfied to be again wholesome and so grateful to play these matches,” Czech Vondrousova mentioned on the WTA Tour web site.
“Once I noticed the sector right here, I used to be like, ‘OK, let’s simply attempt to win the primary spherical’ after which, you understand, now that is taking place.”
Sabalenka saved two break factors within the opening sport however was damaged in her second service sport and once more to path 5-2 within the first set.
The three-time Grand Slam champion sealed a break on the first time of asking to steer 2-0 within the second however Vondrousova hit again instantly.
A tense scrap ensued with the set staying on serve till 25-year-old Vondrousova broke for 5-4 after which served out the match.
Wang beat 2021 Berlin Open champion Liudmila Samsonova 6-4 6-1 within the different semi-final to achieve her first WTA singles closing.
“This week has been a dream for me,” Wang mentioned. “Coming into each match, I wasn’t anticipating something, it was actually simply to benefit from the stage.”
