Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the US Open semi-finals without hitting a ball after her opponent, Marketa Vondrousova, withdrew with a knee injury.
This sets up a rematch of last year’s final against American Jessica Pegula, who secured her spot by defeating Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3.
Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, pulled out of the quarter-final less than two hours before the match, citing a need to avoid further aggravating the injury.
Sabalenka expressed her sympathy for Vondrousova on social media.
Pegula, the American fourth seed, has yet to drop a set at this year’s tournament and appears to be in strong form despite a poor start to the season.
“I feel really comfortable,” she said after her win. “Ten years ago I never thought I’d be good at this – but I guess I am.”
The semifinal will be a repeat of the 2024 US Open final, where Sabalenka beat Pegula in straight sets to win her first US Open title.
