Marketa Vondrousova survives late comeback to end fairytale run of Elina Svitolina and reach 2023 Wimbledon Final
WTA
Two Grand Slams in a row have now seen unheralded Czech players in the final albeit for Marketa Vondrousova, it will be a second Grand Slam final at 2023 Wimbledon.
Reaching the final at 2019 Roland Garros, she hasn't reproduced since that point with a myriad of injury issues including multiple wrist surgeries but she sealed a 6-3, 6-3 win to end the run of Elina Svitolina. She is also the first ever unseeded player to reach the final at SW19.
Svitolina has been the story of the tournament in many ways on her return since motherhood and also the incident surrounding Victoria Azarenka which stirred huge debate again around handshakes.
But it seems like she played her final against Iga Swiatek last round and at one point was set to go 5-0 down in the second set before rallying.
In the end though, the 24-year-old Czech ace found her way through with the highly discussed final with Aryna Sabalenka for Svitolina not coming off but Vondrousova will now look to topple either the Belarusian or Ons Jabeur on Saturday.
Svitolina opened the tie very erratic with Vondrousova taking full advantage. She broke three consecutive times to take the opening set 6-3.
That erratic form continued going into the second as Vondrousova went 4-0 up and potentially could have made it 5-0 in a protracted game which saw her lose her serve in the end to the Ukrainian.
This started a comeback as Vondrousova could see the finishing line in site. Svitolina broke again to make it 4-3 albeit she couldn't go one away with Vondrousova steadying the ship and her run towards the final.
Albeit quite a lot of it was on Svitolina's racquet as she produced a double fault and more unforced errors to hand the initiative back.
That she did as Vondrousova went on to serve it out at 6-3 as she got to 40-30 to set up match point and despite some mid game fault wobbles, she nailed a big serve which Svitolina could only return long.
A big ovation for the Ukrainian but the spoils are sent the way of Vondrousova. But will she lose in the final like Karolina Muchova or make history again?
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
