Aryna Sabalenka’s recent 2-6, 4-6 semifinal defeat against Markéta Vondroušová cast doubts about the World No. 1’s prospects at the upcoming Wimbledon Championships.
After the Czech WTA star secured a straight-set win over the three-time Grand Slam champion, fans stepped forward to mention how, despite favoring Sabalenka, they now lack confidence about her upcoming grass-court major campaign.
Fans Applaud Markéta Vondroušová’s Dominant Performance Over Aryna Sabalenka in Berlin
Markéta Vondroušová surprised fans in Berlin on Saturday by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal clash. The successful campaign witnessed her reach the first final since her last victory at Wimbledon two years ago.
After Sabalenka’s disappointing defeat, fans stepped forward to express doubts about her chances of securing a notable position in the upcoming events.
A fan mentioned how she was fortunate enough to book this clash as she didn’t look dominant enough in her quarterfinal match against Elena Rybakina.
“Sabalenka was even lucky to come through her last match. Rybakina was 6/2 in 3rd set tiebreak then she lost 4 match points in a row, that was the luckiest escape by Sabalenka & Vondrousova was 0/40 serving for the match & she saved them all with her perfect grass court play.”
Sabalenka was even lucky to come through her last match. Rybakina was 6/2 in 3rd set tiebreak then she lost 4 match points in a row, that was the luckiest escape by Sabalenka & Vondrousova was 0/40 serving for the match & she saved them all with her perfect grass court play
— Harimah Smart Hajjati (@HajjatiSmart) June 21, 2025
Another fan simply mentioned how, despite backing the Belarusian player in the semifinal showdown, it was Vondrousova’s commendable performance that created highlights.
“Even though I wanted Sabalenka to win, what a pleasure it was to watch Vondrousova again on grass. Love her game style and she plays so effortlessly. Hope she does well at Wimbledon,” she wrote.
Even though I wanted Sabalenka to win, what a pleasure it was to watch Vondrousova again on grass. Love her game style and she plays so effortlessly. Hope she does well at Wimbledon!
— Emma (coping) (@emmylobz) June 21, 2025
Another fan expressed doubts about her chances at Wimbledon.
“A match like this makes me doubtful for Sabalenka at Wimbledon cause if she comes up against a craftier player like Vondrousova, she’d likely struggle there too,” he wrote.
A match like this makes me doubtful for Sabalenka at Wimbledon cause if she comes up against a craftier player like Vondrousova, she’d likely struggle there too
— TomTom 🇵🇸 (@TomToTheTom) June 21, 2025
A fan chose to unearth Sabalenka’s controversial comments after losing the Roland Garros final to Coco Gauff.
“If Iga had played Marketa, I believe she would have beaten her, Aryana’s excuses #Roland Garros final interview,” he wrote.
If Iga had played Marketa, i believe she would have beaten her 😀🤣, Aryana’s excuses 🙄 #Roland garros final interview.
— Thabo Nkwe (@ThaboNkwe1) June 21, 2025
A fan jokingly claimed that Sabalenka’s dominance now seems off track.
“Lucky day of Aryna is gone,” the comment said.
Lucky day of Aryna is gone 🤣😀
— Fahri (@fahrisaff) June 21, 2025
“SUPERMaky! 💫💫💫,” a fan commented.
After this win, the World No. 164 will now face Wang Xinyu in Sunday’s final.
Vondroušová Admits to Keeping Modest Expectations While Entering Berlin
After securing a swift win over Sabalenka, Vondroušová unveiled how she had just hoped to win the first round and nothing more than that. In a post-match interview following the semifinal win, the 25-year-old expressed excitement over regaining her form following the injury-prone phase.
“I didn’t play for a long time. I’m just happy to be back healthy, and so grateful to play these matches. When I saw the field here, I was like, ‘OK, let’s just try to win the first round,’ and then, you know, now this is happening,” she said.
Markéta Vondroušová incurred a concerning injury in her left shoulder in August 2024. While the issue required surgery, she had to keep herself out of competition for several months. She attempted a comeback in early 2025, but the post-surgery pain forced her to delay the plans.
