Fans circled Tuesday night’s US Open quarterfinal between Aryna Sabalenka and Marketa Vondrousova. Sabalenka, the reigning champion and world No. 1, was expected to face a strong test against the former Wimbledon winner.
Their Cincinnati clash in August ended in straight sets, but anticipation suggested a tighter rematch.
Vondrousova’s Recent Form
Vondrousova entered the Open playing some of her best tennis in months. She knocked out Elena Rybakina, a former Wimbledon champion, and Jasmine Paolini, a two-time Grand Slam finalist.
Those victories positioned her as a dangerous opponent, showing resilience and confidence after returning from earlier injury setbacks.
A Sudden Withdrawal
Just hours before the quarterfinal, the USTA announced Vondrousova’s withdrawal due to injury. The news ended hopes of a marquee clash under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Fans, players, and analysts expressed disappointment, knowing Vondrousova had been building promising momentum on the New York hard courts.
Sabalenka Responds with Empathy
Following the announcement, Sabalenka shared her sympathies publicly. Writing on Instagram, she acknowledged Vondrousova’s struggles.
“So sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through. She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt. Take care of yourself and recover quickly,” Sabalenka said.
Fans Express Sadness
The tennis community reacted with an outpouring of support. Many fans expressed frustration at Vondrousova’s recurring injuries. One wrote, “Marketa Vondrousova can’t catch a break.”
Another added, “Such a shame, just as she was hitting form again.” Messages of encouragement and hopes for recovery filled social media timelines.
History of Injuries
Vondrousova’s career has been frequently disrupted. In 2022, she underwent two wrist surgeries, missing six months of action.
She later withdrew from both the Paris Olympics and US Open due to a hand injury. More recently, a shoulder setback sidelined her during the 2025 season, stalling her progress once again.
Resilience Despite Setbacks
Despite repeated interruptions, Vondrousova continues proving her talent. At the US Open, she demonstrated her ability to outplay elite competition, reminding the sport of her potential.
Each comeback underscores her determination to compete at the highest level, even when circumstances consistently challenge her momentum.
Sabalenka’s Path Forward
With the walkover, Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals without expending energy on court. For the world’s top-ranked player, the extra rest may prove valuable in the later rounds.
She remains focused on defending her title, seeking to become a repeat US Open champion and reinforce her dominance on hard courts.
What’s Next for Vondrousova
The immediate focus for Vondrousova will be recovery. While the exact nature of the injury wasn’t disclosed, her recent history suggests caution is needed.
Returning to form will require time, but her victories this tournament show she remains a formidable contender when healthy. Fans await her comeback.
Broader Implications for the Tour
Vondrousova’s withdrawal highlights the physical toll of the modern tennis calendar. With major events stacked close together, players often face difficult choices between competing and preserving long-term health.
For fans, the incident serves as a reminder of how fragile opportunities can be, even for world-class athletes.
