The US Open saw defending champion Aryna Sabalenka advance to the semifinals without hitting a ball due to Marketa Vondrousova's unfortunate withdrawal. Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, had to pull out of their quarterfinal match with an injured knee. This move handed Sabalenka a walkover, marking the first time a woman has provided such a concession at the US Open in the quarterfinals or later since 1988.
Vondrousova expressed disappointment as she tried to play through the injury. She mentioned feeling the knee issue during the warm-up and decided, upon consultation with the tournament doctor, not to risk aggravating the injury. This turn of events paved the way for Sabalenka to meet Jessica Pegula in a semifinal rematch from the previous year's championship match, where Sabalenka emerged victorious in straight sets.
Sabalenka, acknowledging Vondrousova's struggles and applauding her tennis prowess, expressed empathy for her opponent's situation and extended her well-wishes for a speedy recovery. Vondrousova, who has battled various injuries throughout her career, including wrist and shoulder surgeries, entered the US Open unseeded and ranked 60th.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Jessica Pegula continued her impressive run, securing a spot in the semifinals by defeating Barbora Krejcikova in straight sets. Pegula, who had faced setbacks in major quarterfinals in the past, maintained composure and dominated the baseline exchanges against Krejcikova, ultimately advancing to her second consecutive Grand Slam semifinal without dropping a set.
The upcoming quarterfinal matches at the US Open promise exciting matchups, including a high-profile encounter between No. 2 Iga Swiatek and No. 8 Amanda Anisimova, a rematch of their recent Wimbledon final. Additionally, No. 11 Karolina Muchova will face No. 23 Naomi Osaka, marking Osaka's first Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance since the 2021 Australian Open.
With the US Open semifinals on the horizon, the women's draw is poised for thrilling contests and potential upsets. As the players gear up for their matches, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the culmination of intense rivalries and the emergence of new stars on the Grand Slam stage.
In a tournament marked by unexpected twists and standout performances, the US Open continues to captivate audiences with its blend of skill, resilience, and compelling narratives. As the competition unfolds on the iconic courts of Flushing Meadows, the global tennis community remains engrossed in the unfolding drama and anticipates the crowning of the next champion in the world of women's tennis.
