Wed Sep 03 10:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the US Open semifinals without playing as Markéta Vondroušová withdrew due to a knee injury sustained during warm-up. This is the first walkover in the US Open women’s quarterfinals or later since 1988. The schedule was adjusted to feature Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz instead of the cancelled match. Sabalenka will now face Jessica Pegula in a rematch of last year’s championship match. Pegula, who defeated Barbora Krejčíková, is in her second consecutive US Open semifinal. Other quarterfinal matches include Iga Świątek vs. Amanda Anisimova, and Karolína Muchová vs. Naomi Osaka.

**News Article:**

**Sabalenka Advances to US Open Semifinals After Vondroušová Withdraws With Knee Injury**

NEW YORK – Defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semifinals without striking a ball after 2023 Wimbledon champion Markéta Vondroušová pulled out of their quarterfinal match due to a knee injury. Vondroušová sustained the injury during warm-up and made the decision in consultation with tournament doctors to withdraw.

“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,” Vondroušová said in a statement released by the USTA.

This is the first walkover in the US Open women’s quarterfinals or later since 1988. The USTA replaced the cancelled match with a men’s quarterfinal match between Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz.

Sabalenka will now face No. 4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. Pegula, after defeating Barbora Krejčíková, has reached her second consecutive US Open semifinal and has done so without dropping a set, making her the first woman since Serena Williams (2011-2014) to achieve that feat.

“I’ve been able to kind of go into those matches and really take care of business,” Pegula said.

The remaining women’s quarterfinal matches scheduled for Wednesday include Iga Świątek vs. Amanda Anisimova, and Karolína Muchová vs. Naomi Osaka.

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