Sabalenka Advances US Open Semis After Vondrousova Injury Withdrawal

Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending US Open champion, advanced to the semifinals after her quarterfinal opponent, Marketa Vondrousova, withdrew due to a knee injury. Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, pulled out just before their scheduled match after feeling knee pain during warm-up and consulting with the tournament doctor, deciding not to risk further injury. This marked the first walkover in a US Open women's quarterfinal or later since 1988. Sabalenka expressed sympathy for Vondrousova, acknowledging her struggles with injuries over recent years. Sabalenka will face Jessica Pegula in the semifinals in a rematch of last year’s final, where Sabalenka won in straight sets. Pegula reached the semifinals with a straight-sets victory over Barbora Krejcikova and is notable for being one of the few players to reach her first two Grand Slam semifinals after turning 30.