Marketa Vondrousova’s stunning victory over Aryna Sabalenka at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has propelled her into the semifinals, where she will face either Coco Gauff or Marta Kostyuk.
Sabalenka, the world No. 2 and three-time runner-up in Stuttgart, started strongly, winning the first set 6-3. However, Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, fought back to take the second set 6-3.
The third set was a tense affair, with both players exchanging breaks. Sabalenka, who has struggled with her serve this season, double-faulted nine times. Despite this, she managed to serve for the match at 5-4.
However, Vondrousova showed her resilience, winning the next seven points to clinch the upset. The Czech player’s victory was a testament to her clay-court prowess, having finished runner-up at the 2019 French Open.
Sabalenka’s defeat marks the end of her quest for a fourth consecutive final in Stuttgart. The Belarusian has endured an emotional spring, mourning the loss of her ex-partner.
Meanwhile, Vondrousova’s victory continues her impressive run of form on clay. She is yet to drop a set in Stuttgart and will be confident of reaching the final.
The other semifinal will feature Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, and Kostyuk, who saved five match points to defeat Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals.
