A Surprise Final With a Familiar Favourite
The final of the 2025 Berlin Ladies Open presents a compelling contrast: the return of a Grand Slam champion versus the rise of a surprise qualifier. Marketa Vondrousova, seeded outside the Top 100 after a long injury layoff, meets China’s Wang Xinyu, who has carved a giant-killing path to the final from the qualifiers. Despite the disparity in résumé, both players arrive with remarkable stories — and one will leave with the title.
Vondrousova’s Seamless Comeback
After being sidelined for over half a year due to recurring injuries, 2023 Wimbledon champion Vondrousova is peaking just in time for the grass season. Her road to the Berlin final has been nothing short of impressive: dismissing heavyweights Madison Keys, Diana Shnaider, Ons Jabeur, and finally Aryna Sabalenka — the latter marking her first-ever win over a reigning World No. 1.
What’s most striking is how quickly the Czech left-hander has found her rhythm. Her variety, tactical IQ, and natural feel for the grass courts have made her one of the most dangerous floaters on the tour. With two WTA titles already, this would be her first at the 500 level — and a statement ahead of her Wimbledon title defense.
Wang Xinyu’s Breakout Week
On the other side stands Wang Xinyu, whose Berlin campaign began in qualifying and has since turned into one of the tournament’s defining stories. In consecutive rounds, Wang has taken out Daria Kasatkina, Coco Gauff, Paula Badosa, and Liudmila Samsonova — all seeded, all inside the Top 20.
The 23-year-old Chinese player has shown poise under pressure, a powerful serve, and excellent timing on grass. Her aggressive baseline game has translated well to the surface, with particular improvement at the net. Though unseeded and ranked outside the Top 30, Wang is now on the cusp of breaking into the Top 32 — and possibly earning a seeding at Wimbledon. If she wins this final..
Tale of the Tape: First-Time Meeting
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two players, adding a layer of unpredictability to the final. While Vondrousova holds the edge in experience and shot-making versatility, Xinyu Wang’s current form — particularly her clutch performances against top players — cannot be underestimated.
| Stat | Vondrousova | Wang Xinyu |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 25 | 23 |
| WTA Ranking | 101 (Live – from 164!) | 32 (Live – from 49) |
| Coach | Hřebec, Hernych | Peng, Slović |
| 2025 Win % | 71% | 54% |
| Best Grass Result | Wimbledon Winner | Wimbledon R4 (2024) |
Prediction: Vondrousova to Clinch the Berlin Crown
While Wang’s run has been nothing short of heroic, Vondrousova’s consistency, grass-court acumen, and high-pressure pedigree give her the edge. If the Czech maintains her serving rhythm and utilizes her drop shots and court craft, she should be able to neutralize Wang’s power.
Prediction: Marketa Vondrousova to win.