MARKETA VONDROUSOVA WINS THE BERLIN TENNIS OPEN
The Steffi Graf Stadium was filled to the last seat again on finals Sunday of the BERLIN TENNIS OPEN by HYLO 2025. Slightly more than 4,500 spectators came to see the final between Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) and Xinyu Wang(CHN). And once again, they were treated to a spectacular tennis show, a match more than worthy of a final! In the end, Marketa Vondrousova claimed victory in two hours and 16 minutes with a score of 7-6(10), 4-6, 6-2.
The first set alone delivered what both players had promised on their path to the final: fast-paced rallies and high tension. After 62 minutes, Marketa Vondrousova clinched the first set 7-6(10). The second set was tight at first, but Wang pulled away and won it 6-4. It all came down to the deciding third set, where the Czech player regained the upper hand. She won the match in two hours and 16 minutes with 7-6(10), 4-6, 6-2. At 14:35, she lifted the trophy created by Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, featuring a golden elephant!
Vondrousova wins her first final since Wimbledon 2023
This was Vondrousova’s first final appearance since her 2023 Wimbledon triumph. For Wang, it was her very first final on the WTA Tour. Previously, she had lost all six of her semifinal matches. On her way to the Berlin final, Vondrousova defeated three Top 20 players, including for the first time in her career, a reigning World No. 1. Wang, meanwhile, took down four Top 20 opponents, having never before beaten more than one top player in a single tournament.
Players praise Berlin crowd and show their appreciation
After the match, both players thanked the Berlin crowd and highlighted how much they appreciated the atmosphere and the support from the stands at Steffi Graf Stadium. Vondrousova also praised the tournament's organization: “It’s incredible how this tournament has developed. I would love to come back next year,” said the newly crowned champion.
Nicholls and Mihalikova win super tiebreak against French Open champions
The second final of the day featured the doubles match between the Italian duo Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini and the Slovak-British team of Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls. Both teams had played strong tennis throughout the tournament, promising an exciting clash.
The Italians initially took control. With their experience and solid teamwork, Errani and Paolini won the first set 6-4. But in the second set, Mihalikova and Nicholls struck back, taking it 6-2. That brought the match to a super tiebreak where every point counts. Both teams fought hard, but in the end, it was Nicholls and Mihalikova who came out on top, winning the super tiebreak 10-6 and sealing it with an ace. The match ended 4-6, 6-2, 10-6 and lasted one hour and 26 minutes. Their win over French Open champions Errani and Paolini came as something of a surprise, which made their celebration even more joyful.
Over 35,000 fans attended the BERLIN TENNIS OPEN by HYLO
Overall, the event drew a much larger crowd than expected. More than 35,000 tennis fans came to see the matches of the BERLIN TENNIS OPEN by HYLO 2025. The Centre Court was sold out on four of the seven main draw days. The ground ticket concept, offering free access to the venue, also paid off, the grounds were well-attended even on the usually less popular qualifying days.
Organizers give a positive first review
The organizers of the BERLIN TENNIS OPEN by HYLO 2025 can look back on a successful tournament. The players clearly felt comfortable. Coco Gauff (USA) summed up the general mood with a four-word statement in German, referencing John F. Kennedy’s famous quote: “Ich bin ein Berliner!”
As a result, everyone involved in the organization gave positive feedback.
Andrea Petkovic, Director of Excitement:
“The players I spoke with were absolutely thrilled and surprised by how much the tournament has improved. We’ve truly raised the level. The fact that Coco Gauff stayed here to train for Wimbledon even after being knocked out on Thursday says everything. I’ve also noticed how much more attention the event has attracted. By the end, I had to tell many friends and acquaintances that I couldn’t get them tickets anymore.”
Markus Günthardt, founder of Perfect Match agency:
“Berlin has all the ingredients needed to host a successful tournament. That’s why we love being here. I expected we’d eventually talk about expanding the capacity, but the fact that we’re already doing so due to the demand is a surprise, even to me. We have room to grow, and we will.”
Tournament Director Markus Zoecke:
“There are definitely things we want to improve. We had such a huge turnout that we need to look into the entry situation and consider expanding the public areas. But overall, my conclusion is very positive. I didn’t expect we’d make this tournament the talk of the town so quickly.”
The next edition of the BERLIN TENNIS OPEN will take place from June 13 to 21, 2026.Tickets are available with a 10% early bird discount until June 30, 2025, at: berlintennisopen.com.