Wed Sep 03 03:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Marketa Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn from her US Open quarterfinal match against Aryna Sabalenka due to a knee injury sustained before her previous match. This grants Sabalenka a walkover into the semifinals, where she will face Jessica Pegula in a rematch of last year’s championship match. Vondrousova’s withdrawal marks the first walkover in the US Open women’s quarterfinals or later since 1988. Vondrousova, who has a history of injuries, expressed her disappointment but prioritized avoiding further aggravation. Sabalenka expressed sympathy and wished her a speedy recovery.

**News Article:**

**Sabalenka Advances to US Open Semifinals After Vondrousova Withdraws Due to Knee Injury**

**NEW YORK -** Aryna Sabalenka is through to the US Open semifinals without lifting a racquet on Tuesday night. Her scheduled quarterfinal opponent, Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.

The injury, which Vondrousova sustained prior to her three-set victory over Elena Rybakina in the fourth round, flared up during warm-up. “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,” Vondrousova said in a statement.

Vondrousova’s withdrawal marks the first walkover in the US Open women’s quarterfinals or later since 1988, when Steffi Graf advanced after Chris Evert’s withdrawal.

Sabalenka will now face Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, a rematch of last year’s championship match that Sabalenka won. This is the first time in Sabalenka’s career that she has advanced in a major tournament via walkover or retirement.

“So sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through,” Sabalenka wrote on social media. “She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt for her.”

Sabalenka told ESPN’s Kris Budden that she expressed to Vondrousova a speedy recovery in the locker room.

Vondrousova, who has battled numerous injuries throughout her career, entered the US Open ranked 60th and unseeded. Despite her disappointment, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete again after undergoing surgery last year. The Czech player as had several injuries throughout her career, some of which include elbow, wrist and shoulder injuries.

The remaining quarterfinal matches will be held on Wednesday, with Iga Swiatek facing Amanda Anisimova and Karolina Muchova taking on Naomi Osaka.

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