Serbia Secures Dominant Victory Over Türkiye to Conclude VNL 2025

In a decisive match that marked the conclusion of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL), Serbia triumphed over Türkiye with a commanding 3-0 victory on July 13, 2025, in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. This performance not only allowed Serbia, the reigning world champions, to finish their campaign on a high note but also provided a much-needed boost of confidence ahead of the upcoming FIVB Women's Volleyball World Championship scheduled for August.

Serbia's captain and star opposite Tijana Bošković led the charge with an impressive 21 points, demonstrating her skill and prowess on the court. The Serbian team, having faced a challenging start to the VNL with eight consecutive losses, turned their fortunes around in Apeldoorn, securing three wins out of four matches during the final week of the Preliminary Phase. This significant turnaround alleviated any fears of relegation, allowing the team to finish in 15th place with a total of 14 points.

"I'm very happy and proud of how the team played this week. I think we improved every match and today we showed what we can do," said Bošković, reflecting on the team's performance. The outside hitter Vanja Ivanović also made notable contributions, scoring 15 points with 12 kills, two blocks, and one ace.

Conversely, Türkiye, which previously qualified for the finals of the VNL, suffered their defeat to Serbia, finishing fifth in the standings with eight wins and 23 points. Their star outside hitter, Yaprak Erkek, managed to score ten points against the Serbian defense. Meliha Diken, another prominent player for Türkiye, expressed her disappointment over the match, stating, "We had too many ups and downs this week, especially with our defeat to Czechia. We know what we need to work on for the Finals and that's what we'll do."

The implications of this match extend beyond mere standings; it reflects the resilience of the Serbian team and highlights the evolving dynamics of international women's volleyball. Serbia's resurgence in the latter part of the tournament showcases their potential as they gear up for the World Championship, where they aim to secure a third consecutive title.

The VNL 2025 has provided several surprises and competitive matchups, with other notable performances, such as Germany's victory over the Dominican Republic and Italy's clean sweep against the Netherlands, further emphasizing the competitive nature of this year's tournament. As the finals approach, teams will be keen to address their shortcomings and refine their strategies for a shot at the championship.

In conclusion, Serbia's victory over Türkiye not only serves as a morale booster for the team but also sets the stage for an exciting World Championship. As they prepare to defend their title, the performance in the VNL will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their strategy moving forward.