Triumphant Sabalenka’s Stunning Walkover: 5 Key Moments to the US Open Semifinals

Aryna Sabalenka’s path to the US Open semifinals took a surreal and unexpected turn, as defending champion Marketa Vondrousova was forced to withdraw from their highly anticipated quarterfinal clash due to a knee injury. This rare event, a walkover at this late stage of a Grand Slam, instantly became the talking point of the tournament, propelling Sabalenka forward while casting a shadow of what might have been.

The atmosphere on Arthur Ashe Stadium was primed for a blockbuster match between two reigning Grand Slam champions. Instead, fans were met with an anticlimactic announcement. Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, made the difficult decision to withdraw just before the match, granting Sabalenka a free pass, known as a “walkover,” into the final four. This decision wasn’t made lightly; it was a protective measure for an athlete’s long-term health, but it undoubtedly reshaped the landscape of the competition in an instant.

The Unwanted Gift: Understanding the Quarterfinal Walkover

A walkover is one of the strangest and most unsatisfying occurrences in professional sports. It happens when a player is unable to compete, awarding the victory to their opponent by default. While common in early rounds due to minor injuries or illness, it is exceptionally rare in the quarterfinals of a major tournament.

The last time a woman received a walkover at this stage of the US Open was never. In fact, the USTA confirmed this was the first walkover in a women’s US Open quarterfinal in the modern era. The only faint historical precedent dates back to 1980, involving the legendary Steffi Graf, though the exact circumstances differ. This historical context underscores just how unusual and significant Vondrousova’s withdrawal truly is.

A Champion’s Dilemma: Vondrousova’s Heartbreaking Decision

For Marketa Vondrousova, the choice to withdraw was a devastating blow to her title defense. In a statement released by the USTA, the Czech player explained the medical reasoning behind her painful decision. “I warmed up and I still felt the pain in my knee,” Vondrousova stated. She detailed the advice from her medical team, noting, “The doctor said one of the options was to not play and not risk further injury.”

Facing a competitor of Sabalenka’s ferocious power, attempting to play at less than 100% could have led to a more severe, long-term injury. Her withdrawal, while disappointing for fans, was a sober and professional decision that prioritizes her future career over a single, compromised match. This incident highlights the immense physical toll the sport takes on athletes, even at the pinnacle of their success.

Sabalenka’s Uncharted Path: Focus Amid the Anticlimax

For Aryna Sabalenka, the walkover presents a unique mental challenge. While it secures her place in the semifinals, it deprives her of the rhythm, competition, and confidence that come from earning a victory on the court. A player of her caliber thrives on momentum and battle-tested execution. Instead of a hard-fought win, she is left with a sudden and abrupt stop in her competitive routine.

However, the Belarusian star is now presented with a significant physical advantage: extra rest. While her next opponent will have endured a grueling quarterfinal match, Sabalenka’s body will be fully recovered, giving Sabalenka’s a potential edge in recovery and preparation. How she manages this unexpected pause in her campaign will be a critical test of her champion’s mentality.

The Historical Echo: From Graf’s Era to Modern Day

To fully appreciate the rarity of this event, one must look back through the annals of tennis history. The mention of Steffi Graf’s 1980 experience provides a fascinating, albeit distant, parallel. While the specifics are from a different era of the sport, it establishes that such occurrences, while incredibly uncommon, are part of the game’s fabric. This historical footnote serves to remind us that the physical demands of tennis have always created these unpredictable scenarios. Placing Vondrousova’s walkover within this minimal historical framework elevates the story from a simple news item to a notable, record-setting moment in US Open history.

The Fortress of Pegula: A Masterclass in Dominance

On the other side of the draw, Jessica Pegula is constructing a flawless run to the semifinals, embodying a level of dominance not seen in years. The American number one has been utterly relentless, not dropping a single set on her path to the final four. This incredible feat makes her the first woman since the legendary Serena Williams (who did it consecutively from 2011 to 2014) to reach the US Open semifinals without conceding a set.

Pegula herself acknowledged the efficiency of her performance, stating, “I’ve been able to win those matches quite comfortably.” This kind of form makes her an intimidating force and a popular choice to reach the final, especially with the backing of a home crowd at Flushing Meadows.

A Night of Rescheduling and Djokovic’s Quest for 24

The fallout from Vondrousova’s withdrawal created logistical ripples throughout the tournament. The night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, suddenly without its headline women’s match, required quick restructuring. The schedule was mechanically reshuffled, pushing Novak Djokovic’s quest for a historic 24th major title into the prime-time spotlight even earlier. This unforeseen change highlights how a single player’s injury can affect the entire tournament ecosystem, from broadcast schedules to fan experience and the preparation routines of other players.

Looking Ahead: A Semifinal Forged in Fire and Rest

The stage is now set for a captivating conclusion to the women’s draw. Aryna Sabalenka, well-rested but untested, will face the formidable challenge of Jessica Pegula, who is battle-hardened and playing the best tennis of her life. This contrast in preparation creates a fascinating narrative clash. Meanwhile, the other half of the draw features its own blockbuster matchups, including a Wimbledon final rematch between Iga Świątek and an in-form opponent, and the long-awaited Grand Slam quarterfinal return of former champion Naomi Osaka. The tournament, momentarily paused by an injury, now accelerates toward what promises to be a thrilling and dramatic finish.

Reference Website:
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/02/sport/tennis-us-open-sabalenka-vondrousova-walkover