In a rare and dramatic twist at the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka has created history by advancing to the US Open semifinals without hitting a ball. Aryna Sabalenka advanced after her quarterfinal opponent, Marketa Vondrousova, could not take the court after sustaining a knee injury. For the first time in 21 years, a woman has reached a Grand Slam semi-final in this manner.
The last woman to have reached a Grand Slam semi-final in this manner was more than two decades ago, Fabiola Zuluaga at the 2004 Australian Open. In fact, Sabalenka joins an exclusive group of only two women to have received a walkover into a Grand Slam semi-final in the Open Era. Arantxa Sanchez Vicario at the 1992 Australian Open is the other name alongside Fabiola Zuluaga and Aryana Sabalenka.
What Happened to Marketa Vondrousova?
Vondrousova, the winner of the 2023 Wimbledon, enjoyed a strong start in the US Open. She breezed past several high-profile opponents, namely, Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina. The Czech star suffered a knee injury during a practice session on Tuesday. A video captured her in visible distress after hitting a forehand, leaving the court in tears.
“I tried my best to take the court today, but during the warm-up I felt again my knee,” Vondrousova said in a statement. “After consultation with the tournament doctor, I decided not to risk aggravating the injury.”
Vondrousova has battled injuries in recent years of her career. She just endured long spells away from the tour due to shoulder problems, missing last year’s US Open and the 2024 Australian Open.
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What’s Next for Aryna Sabalenka?
The defending champion will look to retain her title as US Open Champion and is chasing her fourth career Grand Slam title. The World No.1 will now face American Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, setting up a rematch of last year’s final.
Jessica Pegula, despite losing last year’s final to Sabalenka, will enter this match with confidence. She has cruised past all her opponents, earning her spot in the semi-finals. Peluga glided past Barbora Krejcikova in the quarterfinal, with a straight-sets win over the two-time Grand Slam champion.
Conclusion
Sabalenka’s unusual passage into the semifinals may have come under extraordinary circumstances, but it doesn’t mean that her job is done. The Belarusian star will now look to capitalize on the extra rest and preparation time as she chases another shot at Grand Slam glory. Her semi-final clash will prove to major test as she faces off against Jessica Peluga, the opponent from whom she stole US Open glory.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
