Sabalenka advances to US Open semifinals after Vondroušová withdraws

Markéta Vondroušová, 2023 Wimbledon champion, withdrew from the 2025 US Open after injuring her left knee during a training session in New York on the afternoon of September 2, 2025, handing Aryna Sabalenka, world number 1, a direct spot in the semifinal. The withdrawal decision came less than two hours before their scheduled quarterfinal match, set to open the evening session at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows. Vondroušová, 26, left the Billie Jean King complex visibly emotional, wearing a knee brace and accompanied by medical staff. The Czech player, who has faced wrist and shoulder surgeries, was in her best US Open campaign since 2023. Sabalenka, the reigning champion, now faces Jessica Pegula, world number 4, in a rematch of the 2024 final. This marks the fourth withdrawal in the women’s quarterfinals or later in US Open history in the Open Era.

Vondroušová had been on a strong run, defeating top 10 players Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina, making her clash with Sabalenka one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches. The injury occurred during a practice session when she felt sharp pain executing a forehand, halting the activity immediately. After medical evaluation, she chose not to compete to avoid worsening the issue.

• Knee injury: Vondroušová was seen with a brace on her left knee post-incident.
• Medical history: She underwent wrist (2022) and shoulder (2024) surgeries.
• Tournament impact: The withdrawal secured Sabalenka’s spot without physical effort.
• Immediate reaction: Sabalenka wished her opponent a speedy recovery on social media.

Moment of injury and decision

Vondroušová’s injury occurred during an afternoon practice at the Billie Jean King complex when she attempted a forehand and felt acute pain in her left knee. Footage showed her covering her face with a towel, clearly upset, before receiving medical attention. After initial assessments, the decision to withdraw was made to protect her knee from further damage.

The Czech, ranked 60th entering the tournament, was in her second US Open quarterfinal, matching her 2023 performance. Her 2025 campaign featured standout wins, including a dominant performance against Rybakina with 13 aces and only 15 unforced errors. The withdrawal halted her momentum and raised concerns about her recovery.

• Training context: Injury struck during a warm-up session with forehands.
• 2025 campaign: Vondroušová defeated two top 10 players before withdrawing.
• Medical evaluation: Initial tests led to the decision to avoid playing.

Sabalenka’s tournament progress

Aryna Sabalenka, world number 1 and 2024 US Open champion, reached the semifinals without dropping a set. Her fourth-round win over Cristina Bucsa (6-1, 6-4) showcased her consistency, with 28 winners and just 10 unforced errors. Vondroušová’s withdrawal marked Sabalenka’s first walkover in a Grand Slam, preserving energy for her semifinal against Jessica Pegula.

The Belarusian, chasing her fourth Grand Slam title, faces Pegula in a repeat of the 2024 final, which Sabalenka won in straight sets (7-5, 7-5). She expressed support for Vondroušová, praising her talent and wishing her a quick recovery.

• Performance: Sabalenka has not lost a set in four matches at the 2025 US Open.
• Walkover milestone: First time advancing via withdrawal in a major.
• Pegula matchup: Repeats the 2024 final, with Sabalenka favored in head-to-head.

Changes to the US Open

Vondroušová’s withdrawal disrupted the Arthur Ashe Stadium schedule. The men’s match between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz, initially set as the second evening match, was moved up to 8 p.m. The tournament organizers chose not to replace the women’s match, keeping only the men’s game on the main court.

The Czech’s absence also reduced her country’s presence in the later stages, as Barbora Krejčíková was eliminated by Pegula in straight sets (6-3, 6-3) on the same day. Fans expressed disappointment over the canceled match but rallied online to support Vondroušová.

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• Schedule shift: Djokovic’s match was moved earlier to fill the gap.
• Fan support: Messages of solidarity for Vondroušová flooded social media.
• Tournament impact: Fewer Czech players in the final stages after Krejčíková’s exit.

Rarity of US Open withdrawals

Withdrawals in the women’s quarterfinals or later at the US Open are rare in the Open Era, starting in 1968. Vondroušová’s case is only the fourth recorded instance.

• 1988: Chris Evert withdrew from the semifinal due to illness, aiding Steffi Graf.
• 1993: Judith Wiesner abandoned the third round, helping Graf advance.
• 2004: Amélie Mauresmo withdrew from the Australian Open quarterfinals due to a back injury.
• 2025: Vondroušová’s knee injury marks the fourth case against Sabalenka.

These incidents highlight the unpredictability of tennis, particularly in high-stakes tournaments like the US Open, where physical demands can shift outcomes.

Vondroušová’s injury history

Markéta Vondroušová’s career blends remarkable achievements with persistent physical challenges. At 24, she won Wimbledon (2023) as an unseeded player, reached the Roland Garros final (2019), and earned an Olympic silver (2021). However, injuries to her wrist (2019, 2022) and shoulder (2024) sidelined her for extended periods.

Her 2025 US Open run signaled a comeback, but the knee injury now raises concerns. Ranked 60th, she faces uncertainty pending further medical evaluation to determine the injury’s severity and recovery timeline.

• Achievements: Wimbledon (2023), Roland Garros final (2019), Olympic silver (2021).
• Injuries: Wrist (2019, 2022), shoulder (2024), and knee (2025).
• Current ranking: 60th, after peaking at number 6 in 2023.

Semifinal expectations

Sabalenka enters the semifinal with the advantage of not playing in the quarterfinals, facing a Jessica Pegula who defeated Krejčíková in 1h30 without dropping a set. The American, world number 4, seeks her first Grand Slam title and a rematch after losing the 2024 final to Sabalenka.

With 12 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals, Sabalenka’s aggressive style averages 30 winners per match in the tournament. Pegula relies on defensive solidity and improved net play, refined since her loss to Sabalenka in Cincinnati (7-5, 6-1).

• Pegula’s form: Undefeated in sets, beat Krejčíková convincingly.
• Head-to-head: Sabalenka leads, winning the 2024 final.
• Physical edge: Sabalenka is fresher after the walkover.

Support for Vondroušová

Vondroušová’s injury sparked widespread support from fans and players. Sabalenka posted a message wishing her a swift recovery, while Iga Świątek and Naomi Osaka also voiced solidarity. The Czech thanked fans in a statement, vowing to return in 2026. The incident reignites discussions about the WTA’s grueling schedule and player health concerns.

• Sabalenka’s message: “Markéta, you’re a warrior. Get well soon!”
• Vondroušová’s response: “Thank you for the support, I’ll come back stronger.”
• WTA debate: Frequent injuries raise questions about the tour’s schedule.