Sabalenka Advances to US Open Semis After Vondrousova Withdraws
Hey everyone, here’s the latest from the 2025 US Open. In a surprising twist, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semifinals without even stepping onto the court. This came after her scheduled quarter-final opponent, Marketa Vondrousova, was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. The news landed just hours before their match, leaving fans and players alike stunned.
Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, had been preparing for the night session in New York but had to stop her warm-up early after feeling discomfort in her knee. She was later seen walking through the Flushing Meadows players’ area with heavy strapping on her left leg. In an official statement, she said she didn’t want to risk aggravating the injury, apologizing to fans who were eagerly anticipating the clash. This marks the first time since 1988 that a woman has given a walkover in the quarterfinals or later at the US Open. Sabalenka expressed her sympathy on social media, acknowledging how difficult this must be for Vondrousova, especially given her history of injuries that have interrupted her career.
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Meanwhile, No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula earned her place in the semifinals in convincing fashion, beating two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3. Pegula’s performance was controlled and aggressive, dominating baseline exchanges and applying pressure with deep groundstrokes and net approaches. Despite a few service hiccups, she maintained her composure and closed out the match efficiently, showing why she’s a serious contender. Notably, Pegula has now reached consecutive US Open semifinals without dropping a set, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams between 2011 and 2014.
This sets up an exciting semifinal rematch of last year’s final between Sabalenka and Pegula. Last year, Sabalenka secured the championship in straight sets, and fans will be eager to see whether Pegula can turn the tables this time around. Both players are expected to bring intensity and precision to the court, with Sabalenka aiming to defend her title and Pegula looking to replicate her strong run from last season.
Other quarterfinal action is still to come, including No. 2 Iga Swiatek facing No. 8 Amanda Anisimova in a rematch of the recent Wimbledon final, and Naomi Osaka making her first Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance since the 2021 Australian Open against Karolina Muchova. The tournament continues to promise drama, skill, and unexpected twists as the women’s draw approaches its climax.
So, while Sabalenka’s path to the semifinals was eased by circumstance, the stage is now set for a high-stakes showdown with Pegula that could deliver yet another thrilling chapter in US Open history.
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