US Open 2025: Aryna Sabalenka advances to semi-finals after Marketa Vondrousova pulls out due to injury - 'Breaks my heart'
Published 02/09/2025 at 23:59 GMT+1
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Marketa Vondrousova suffered another injury setback as she pulled out of her US Open quarter-final against Aryna Sabalenka. The Czech player missed last year's tournament and pulled out of her match with the world No. 1 less than two hours before it was scheduled. Sabalenka advances to face Jessica Pegula, who beat Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 6-3 to reach the semi-final for the second year in a row
Pegula wants 'revenge' on Sabalenka in US Open semi-final
Video credit: SNTV
Defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semi-finals after Marketa Vondrousova pulled out due to injury.
The Czech's withdrawal means Sabalenka will face Jessica Pegula in a repeat of last year's final after the walkover.
Vondrousova, who missed last year's US Open after shoulder surgery, pulled out less than two hours before she was scheduled to take the court due to an injury she picked up against Elena Rybakina.
The 2023 Wimbledon champion had seen off Jasmine Paolini and Rybakina on her way to the quarter-finals.
Vondrousova was seen walking with a wrap around her knee after stopping a pre-match practice session, and was in tears as she made the decision to withdraw.
"It breaks my heart that I can't step on court today at the US Open because of the injury I picked up in my last match," Vondrousova said on her Instagram story.
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She continued: "This place is so special to me - exactly one year ago I was in surgery; not even sure if I would ever return. Being back here, competing again and enjoying such beautiful matches has meant more than words can say.
"Thankful for all the love and support."
Vondrousova has seen her career decimated by injuries, ranking as high as No. 6 in the WTA rankings but is currently sitting at No. 60.
"So sorry for Marketa after all she's been through," Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram story.
"She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt for her."
It is the first time Sabalenka has won by walkover in a Grand Slam, and now faces Pegula, who swept Barbora Krejcikova 6-3 6-3 to advance to the semi-final for the second year in a row.
The final two quarter-finals in the women's singles field take place on Wednesday, with Iga Swiatek facing Amanda Anisimova in a Wimbledon final rematch, and Karolina Muchova facing Naomi Osaka.
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