Marketa Vondrousova explains late withdrawal from US Open quarterfinal with Sabalenka
NewsWednesday, 03 September 2025 at 16:10
Marketa Vondrousova's withdrawal from her 2025 US Open quarterfinal with the defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was devastating for ticket holders. She has now explained what led to that decision.
The Czech reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since the 2024 French Open after a stunning 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 triumph against Elena Rybakina. That was one of Vondrousova's best performances since winning the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.
Although Sabalenka, who has reached every Grand Slam hard court final since the start of 2023, would have been the favorite against Vondrousova, it could have been an epic battle and one of the tournament's best matches.
That possibility ended when Vondrousova withdrew less than two hours before the contest was scheduled to start. The 26-year-old has now provided fans with the reason for her not competing on Tuesday night.
In a statement, Vondrousova revealed that a knee injury prevented her from playing against Sabalenka and that the decision was made after consulting with the US Open's doctor. She apologized to the fans who bought tickets.
"I am sorry to announce that I have to withdraw from my quarterfinal match this evening due to a knee injury. I tried my best to take the court today but during the warm-up I felt again my knee and after consultation with the tournament doctor decided not to risk aggravating the injury. I appreciate all the support this tournament and apologize to the fans who were looking forward to the match. I had an amazing time here in NY and can’t wait to be back next year."
While disappointing for the fans, it was undoubtedly even more devastating for Vondrousova, especially since she has worked so hard to recover from injury issues that have plagued her for over a year.
The Olympic Silver Medalist had surgery for a severe shoulder problem in August. She returned this year before swiftly returning to the sidelines for over three months until the 2025 French Open, after a recurrence of that injury.
Aryna Sabalenka makes classy statement after Vondrousova's withdrawal
Rather than being happy about moving straight through to the semifinal, where she will face Jessica Pegula in a repeat of last year's final, Sabalenka expressed sadness for Vondrousova in an Instagram story released just minutes after the Czech's withdrawal.
"So sorry for Marketa after all she's been through. She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must for her. Take care of yourself and I hope you can recover quickly. Love Aryna."
Sabalenka's behavior sometimes receives criticism. After losing the 2025 Australian Open final to Madison Keys, she smashed her racket and left the court before returning for the trophy ceremony. Some felt that distracted from Keys winning her maiden Grand Slam title.
The world No. 1 caused even more controversy for her comments about Coco Gauff after losing to the American in the 2025 French Open final. Sabalenka claimed the result was down to her bad play rather than anything Gauff did, and that Iga Swiatek would have beaten the 21-year-old.
Her classy statement to Vondrousova shows what a genuine and nice person Sabalenka is, and that those moments with Keys and Gauff were in the heat of the moment after brutal defeats.
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