US Open: Vondrousova withdraws, Sabalenka will play the semis
The semi-final between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula is set
Aryna Sabalenka, portrait, US Open 2025 | © Zuma / PsNewz
2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has withdrawn from the 2025 US Open, the tournament announced Tuesday, about 90 minutes the opening match of the night session. The unexpected exit of the 26-year-old Czech came just before her quarterfinal match against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Vondrousova’s withdrawal means Sabalenka receives a walkover and advance directly to the semi-finals against Jessica Pegula, for a re-match of the 2024 final, won by the current world No. 1. While the official nature of the injury has not been confirmed by the tournament, TV pictures showed Voudrousova stop her practice after a pain on the left injury.
A cruel setback for Vondrousova
This latest setback is a tough blow for Vondrousova, who has a history of injuries and was enjoying a remarkable comeback at this year’s tournament. Her impressive run included a major upset over Elena Rybakina in the fourth round.
After her historic win as the first unseeded women’s champion at Wimbledon, Vondrousova’s 2024 season started with a first-round exit at Wimbledon, where she was the defending champion. This early loss was a major upset and a tough blow, and she later admitted she was not feeling her best.
Following this, a hand injury forced her to withdraw from the Paris 2024 Olympics, a difficult decision as she was a silver medalist from the previous Games. She focused on recovery with the US Open in mind, but ultimately had to withdraw from the tournament due to a hand injury. It was after this withdrawal from the 2024 US Open that she underwent shoulder surgery, which effectively ended last season.
She made her return to the tour at the start of the 2025 season. Her comeback was a gradual one, with mixed results (14 wins, 8 losses). She reached the quarterfinals in Abu Dhabi and the third round at Roland-Garros. However, her true breakthrough came at the Berlin Open, where she won her first title since Wimbledon 2023. On her way to the title, she defeated several top players, including a decisive victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal. This win marked a major milestone in her return, propelling her back into the top ranks of the WTA.
