Sabalenka Advances to US Open Semifinals After Vondrousova Retirement
NEW YORK – Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the US Open semifinals without even stepping onto the court this Tuesday. Her quarterfinal opponent, Marketa Vondrousova, was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury. Vondrousova, who conquered Wimbledon in 2023, announced her withdrawal from the tournament a few hours before her scheduled match against Sabalenka, the top seed. In the semifinals, Sabalenka will face Jessica Pegula, the world number 4, on Thursday. This match will be a rematch of last year’s final at Flushing Meadows, where Sabalenka prevailed in straight sets. Although the nature of Vondrousova’s injury was not specified, she was seen walking with a bandage on her left leg.This is the first time Sabalenka has advanced in a Grand Slam tournament due to the retirement or walkover of her opponent.
