Donna Vekic once again struggled with injuries as her debut at the Stuttgart Open ended in a painful defeat marked by tears. The World No. 20 left the court heartbroken after falling to her compatriot Jana Fett, ranked No. 127 and coming from the qualifying rounds, 7-6(2), 6-4.
The 29-year-old’s career has often been hindered by physical issues, to the point that she once considered early retirement, as she herself admitted. Although she seemed to leave those problems behind in the past year, 2025 hasn’t been kind to her so far, with a disappointing 5–10 record.
Vekic initially took control of the match, leading 4–1 in the first set, but Fett gradually found her rhythm. The 2024 silver medallist couldn't maintain the lead, and Fett stormed back, dominating the tiebreak.
The second set became a rollercoaster, with multiple breaks of serve. When Fett led 2–1 and it was Vekic’s turn to serve, the former Wimbledon semifinalist called for medical attention. She was visibly emotional and crying during the changeover while doctors checked her vitals.
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Despite the emotional moment, Vekic returned to the court but suffered two consecutive breaks, giving Fett a 5–1 lead. The Croatian No. 20 showed some resistance late in the set, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the upset as Fett closed the match 7-6(2), 6-4.
This was Vekic’s first match on clay since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she delivered one of the best performances of her career to reach the final – defeating second seed Coco Gauff and former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu along the way. However, she lost the gold medal match to Zheng Qinwen.
Meanwhile, qualifier Jana Fett took a well-deserved victory, despite Vekic's physical problems. She will face world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the second round, who is making her clay-court debut this season.
Medical time out for Donna Vekic.
— edgeAI (@edgeAIapp) April 15, 2025
Looks like she’s not feeling well, crying while doctor checks her vital signs.
Vekic to serve next at 1-2 down in set 2 vs Jana Fett. pic.twitter.com/Ws4ssRvbZx
L'image terrible du jour...
— WTAntho (@WTAntho) April 15, 2025
Donna Vekic🇭🇷 en pleure devant le médecin..
Prise de constante dont la tension par le médecin pic.twitter.com/ydVMlMtLwm
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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