Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed and defending champion, progressed to the semifinals of the 2025 US Open without playing a single point in her scheduled quarterfinal match. Her opponent, Marketa Vondrousova, withdrew due to a knee injury sustained during warm-up, ending her impressive run at Flushing Meadows. The Czech player, who had defeated top-10 seeds Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina, made the decision after consulting with tournament doctors.
Sabalenka’s reaction and sportsmanship
Sabalenka expressed sympathy for Vondrousova, acknowledging the difficult circumstances surrounding her withdrawal. On social media, she praised Vondrousova’s recent performances and wished her a swift recovery. The Belarusian star, known for her fierce competitiveness, showed a softer side in her message, highlighting the camaraderie that exists among top athletes even in high-stakes tournaments.
Semifinal showdown with Pegula
With the walkover, Sabalenka now prepares to face American Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. The matchup is a repeat of last year’s final, which Sabalenka won in straight sets. Pegula earned her spot by defeating Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3, continuing her strong form in New York. The upcoming clash promises high intensity and strategic depth, as both players are familiar with each other’s game and have a history of close contests.
Looking ahead to the final stages
Sabalenka’s path to the final has been marked by dominant performances and now, an unexpected break. While she avoided a potentially grueling quarterfinal, the semifinal against Pegula will test her readiness and mental sharpness. With the title defense in sight, Sabalenka remains one of the favorites to lift the trophy once again, but the competition is fierce and the margin for error slim.