Aryna Sabalenka moved into the US Open semi-finals without playing after Marketa Vondrousova withdrew with an injury, setting up a potential rematch of last year’s final against Jessica Pegula. Sabalenka, the world number one and defending champion, was due to meet unseeded Czech player Vondrousova in Tuesday’s night session in New York, but Vondrousova pulled out less than two hours before they were scheduled to take to the court.
“So sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through,” Sabalenka wrote on social media. “She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt for her.” Vondrousova, who had a pre-match practice but stopped it early, was later seen with heavy strapping on her left leg as she walked through the Flushing Meadows players’ area. The world number 60 had shown her usual fight before the decision to withdraw.
In the other quarter-final, American fourth seed Pegula swept Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 6-3 to advance to the last four for the second year in a row.
What it means: Sabalenka’s run continues despite the setback for her scheduled opponent, while Pegula’s consistent form keeps her in the hunt for a first major title at Flushing Meadows. The potential repeat of last year’s final between Sabalenka and Pegula adds extra intrigue to the championship leg of the tournament, especially as Sabalenka seeks to defend her crown and Pegula pursues another deep run on home soil.
Additional context: Sabalenka’s path to the semi-finals has been complicated by injuries throughout her career, making this year’s deep run a notable accomplishment regardless of the circumstances surrounding Vondrousova’s withdrawal.
Summary: Sabalenka reached the semis due to Vondrousova’s injury withdrawal; Pegula advanced by beating Krejcikova, setting up a possible rematch of the 2023 final with a spot in the final on the line. The situation underscores how injuries can shape Grand Slam draws and heighten the drama as the tournament approaches its climactic rounds. Positive note: both Sabalenka and Pegula have shown resilience and strong form, keeping American hopes high as the title picture sharpens.