The US Open 2025 has reached its decisive phase, and a moment has unfolded in the women's singles that few could have imagined. World No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semifinals without playing a match.
Sports News: The US Open 2025 has reached its crucial stage, and this year, a scenario has unfolded in the women's singles that no one had anticipated. Reigning World No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was scheduled to face Markéta Vondroušová in the quarterfinals, but Vondroušová did not take to the court to play the match.
Consequently, Sabalenka secured a direct spot in the semifinals without playing a single set. With this unique situation, Sabalenka has become only the third woman in Grand Slam history to receive a walkover into the semifinals.
Vondroušová's Injury Was the Reason
26-year-old Markéta Vondroušová had been in excellent form throughout the tournament. She had defeated formidable players like Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina on her way to the quarterfinals. However, her luck turned just before the semifinals. She sustained a serious knee injury during a practice session, after which she refused to compete in the quarterfinals. According to reports, Vondroušová was struggling with pain even during the warm-up. After consulting with a doctor, she decided to withdraw from the match.
In her statement, Vondroušová said, "I tried my best to take the court, but the pain became unbearable during the warm-up. The doctor advised rest, and I had to withdraw from the tournament. It was an incredibly difficult decision to make."
Semifinal Berth via Walkover in Grand Slam After 21 Years
Receiving a walkover into the semifinals is extremely rare in the history of Grand Slams for a female player. This has happened only for the third time. The first instance was in 1992 at the Australian Open when Arantxa Sánchez Vicario benefited. The second time was in 2004 at the Australian Open when Fabiola Zuluaga received a walkover.
And now, after 21 years, Aryna Sabalenka has joined this list. Notably, this is the first time such an event has occurred in the history of the US Open. Advancing to the semifinals without playing is not only a physical relief for Sabalenka but also a mental boost. Playing consecutive matches can lead to player fatigue. Sabalenka now has extra time to be fully prepared to secure a spot in the final.
She will face America's World No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. This match will be played on September 5, 2025. Pegula has been performing exceptionally well this season and will have the full support of the home crowd. Therefore, this encounter is expected to be very exciting.
