Aryna Sabalenka has made tennis history at the 2025 US Open by reaching the semi finals without playing a single point. The defending champion advanced after her quarter final opponent Marketa Vondrousova was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury during practice.
This is the first time in 21 years that a player has entered a Grand Slam semi final via walkover. The last woman to do so was Fabiola Zuluaga at the 2004 Australian Open. Before that, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario achieved the same milestone at the 1992 Australian Open.
Marketa Vondrousova’s injury setback
Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, had shown strong form in New York with impressive victories over top 10 seeds Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina. Unfortunately, her campaign ended abruptly when she pulled up in visible pain during a forehand drill in her practice session. Cameras captured the Czech star in tears as she exited the court.
In her statement, Vondrousova said: “I tried my best to take the court today but during the warm up I felt my knee again. After consultation with the tournament doctor I decided not to risk aggravating the injury.”
The setback continues her unfortunate history with injuries. She missed both the 2024 Australian Open and last year’s US Open due to shoulder issues. Her run to the quarter finals this year was seen as a strong comeback and made her one of three Czech women to reach the last eight in 2025.
Sabalenka reacts and prepares for next round
Sabalenka expressed sympathy for her rival on social media, writing: “So sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through. She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt for her.”
The Belarusian star now shifts focus to her upcoming semi final clash against American Jessica Pegula. This matchup is set to be a thrilling rematch of last year’s US Open final. Sabalenka, the current world number one and top seed, is chasing her third Grand Slam title and has been in dominant form throughout the tournament.
With this historic walkover, Sabalenka has joined an elite group of players and strengthened her chances of defending her title in New York.