Executive summary: Defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka secured a spot in the semifinals after her quarterfinal opponent, Markéta Vondroušová, withdrew due to a knee injury. This walkover victory propels Sabalenka into her fifth consecutive US Open semifinal.
The unexpected turn of events occurred on Tuesday night at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where Vondroušová, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, was forced to pull out just before the match. She aggravated a pre-existing knee injury during her warm-up and, after consulting with the tournament doctor, decided not to risk further damage.
In a statement released by the USTA, Vondroušová expressed her regret, saying, “I tried my best to take the court today, but during the warm-up, I felt again my knee, and after consultation with the tournament doctor decided not to risk aggravating the injury.” She apologized to the fans who were looking forward to the highly anticipated match.
Sabalenka, the top seed and defending champion, took to social media to express her sympathy, writing, “So sorry for Markéta after all she’s been through. She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt for her.” Sabalenka now advances without hitting a ball, a rare occurrence in Grand Slam tennis.
Historically, this walkover is significant as it is the first time since 1988 that a woman has given a walkover in the quarterfinals or later at the US Open, reminiscent of when Steffi Graf advanced due to Chris Evert’s withdrawal. Sabalenka’s path to the semifinals was eased, but she remains focused on the competition ahead.
With the withdrawal, the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium was adjusted, moving Novak Djokovic’s quarterfinal match against Taylor Fritz to an earlier start time. Sabalenka is now set to face American Jessica Pegula in the semifinals on Thursday, a rematch of last year’s US Open final which Sabalenka won in straight sets.
Vondroušová’s career has been marred by injuries, including wrist and shoulder surgeries that have sidelined her multiple times. Despite these challenges, she made a remarkable comeback, winning Wimbledon as an unseeded player in 2023. Her withdrawal is another setback in a career that has seen both highs and lows.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka will prepare to face Pegula, who advanced to the semifinals by defeating Barbora Krejčíková earlier on Tuesday. Pegula, who has found her stride at Flushing Meadows, is the first woman since Serena Williams to reach consecutive US Open semifinals without dropping a set, highlighting her current form. The women’s draw continues with other quarterfinal matches scheduled, but Sabalenka’s unexpected advance adds an interesting twist to the tournament narrative.
