NEW YORK — In a stunning turn of events at the US Open, Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semi-finals without striking a ball in her scheduled quarter-final match. Her opponent, Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a right elbow injury, propelling the second-seeded Sabalenka into the final four and setting up a blockbuster rematch of last year’s final against American hope Jessica Pegula.
The news sent a ripple of surprise through Flushing Meadows on Wednesday, as Vondrousova, the No. 6 seed, became the latest high-profile casualty in a women’s draw already missing several top contenders. The Czech left-hander, who captured her maiden Grand Slam title at the All England Club just two months prior, had been battling the nagging injury throughout the tournament but had hoped to compete.
In a statement released by tournament officials, Vondrousova expressed her profound disappointment. "I am so sad to have to withdraw from my singles match today. I have a problem with my elbow which has been getting worse during my matches here. I have been struggling to serve and hit my forehand, and unfortunately, the pain has become too much to allow me to compete."
This development drastically alters the landscape of the bottom half of the draw. Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion and a finalist here in 2022, now receives an unexpected and valuable day of rest. This could prove to be a significant advantage as the tournament reaches its grueling final stages, especially considering the physical battles her next opponent has recently endured.
A Crucial Rest Day for the Australian Open Champion
For Sabalenka, the walkover is a double-edged sword. While any player would welcome a free pass into a Grand Slam semi-final, it also means a disruption to the rhythm and match sharpness that is so crucial at this level. However, given the intense heat and humidity that has plagued this year’s event, the extra 24 hours of recovery and preparation time is likely a blessing she will gladly accept.
Sabalenka was gracious in her response to the situation, acknowledging her opponent's misfortune. "It's always unfortunate when a player has to withdraw, especially in the later stages of a major. Marketa is an incredible player and a great champion, and I wish her a speedy recovery. Now, I must focus on preparing for my next match and be ready for the challenge ahead."
Her path to this point has been dominant. The powerful Belarusian has dropped only 16 games through her first four matches, showcasing the devastating form that saw her claim her first major in Melbourne and ascend to the World No. 1 ranking earlier this season. Her game is built on a foundation of explosive, aggressive tennis:
- Serve: A massive and reliable weapon that generates free points.
- Forehand: Arguably the biggest in the women's game, hit with immense pace and depth.
- Return of serve: An aggressive, punishing shot that puts immediate pressure on opponents.
This combination has made her nearly unplayable when she is at her best. The extra day off allows her team to fine-tune these weapons specifically for the task that awaits: a revenge mission against Jessica Pegula.
Pegula's Gritty Path to the Semis
On the other side of the net stands Jessica Pegula, the World No. 3 and highest-ranked American player. Pegula’s journey to the semi-finals was the polar opposite of Sabalenka’s; she was forced to grind through a grueling, physically demanding quarter-final against close friend and compatriot Madison Keys. In a match that stretched past 1:00 a.m. local time, Pegula saved a match point in a second-set tiebreak before rallying to win 4-6, 7-6(7), 6-2.
The victory was a testament to Pegula’s resilience and improved mental fortitude. Known for her consistency and clean ball-striking from the baseline, she displayed a newfound fighting spirit to survive a barrage of powerful hitting from Keys. While the win was euphoric, it came at a cost: a long, draining match that left her with far less recovery time than her next opponent.
Reflecting on her marathon win, Pegula said, "That was incredibly tough, both physically and emotionally. Madison is such a great player and a great friend. I just tried to hang in there and fight for every point. I'm proud of the way I competed, and now it's about recovering as best I can and getting ready for the next one."
A Repeat of the 2022 Final Four Showdown
This semi-final is a direct replay of last year’s quarter-final, which Sabalenka won in a high-quality three-set thriller, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. The history between these two top players adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup. Sabalenka holds a 4-1 head-to-head advantage, but Pegula’s sole victory came in a final at the WTA Finals in 2022, proving she can defeat the Belarusian on the biggest stages.
The tactical battle is fascinating. Pegula’s game is based on impeccable timing, flat groundstrokes, and taking the ball early to rob her opponents of time. Her objective will be to use her precision to neutralize Sabalenka’s power and direct the ball into open spaces on the court. She will need to serve accurately and try to expose Sabalenka’s sometimes vulnerable movement, particularly on the backhand side.
Sabalenka’s strategy, conversely, will be straightforward: unleash her raw power. She will look to dominate with her first serve, dictate play with her forehand, and use her aggressive returning to keep Pegula on the defensive. The key for Sabalenka will be managing her unforced errors, as a high count can sometimes derail her when her aggressive shots miss their mark.
The Stakes: A Place in the US Open Final
The prize for the winner is immense: a spot in the US Open final and a chance to play for a Grand Slam title. For Sabalenka, a victory would mark a return to the championship match in New York and keep her on track to challenge Iga Swiatek for the World No. 1 ranking by the end of the tournament. It would also be a statement win, proving she can handle the pressure of being the favorite.
For Pegula, the stakes are arguably even higher. A win would propel her into her first-ever Grand Slam singles final, a monumental achievement for the 29-year-old who has long been knocking on the door of the sport’s ultimate prizes. It would also send the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd into a frenzy, as the home favorite would have a chance to become the first American woman to win the US Open since Sloane Stephens in 2017.
The contrasting narratives create a perfect storm for a classic match. Sabalenka, the tour’s most formidable force, well-rested and seeking a second major title. Pegula, the consummate professional, battle-hardened and chasing a career-defining breakthrough in front of her home fans. The physical contrast is just as compelling: Sabalenka’s fresh legs against Pegula’s proven endurance.
As the tennis world processes the unexpected withdrawal of Marketa Vondrousova, the focus now shifts entirely to this dream semi-final. It is a match filled with history, contrasting styles, and monumental consequences. Sabalenka may have received a pass into the semis, but she knows the real test begins now. Pegula, riding a wave of momentum and national support, will be determined to ensure that Sabalenka’s path does not get any easier.
The stage is set for a spectacular showdown under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Will Aryna Sabalenka’s ferocious power prevail, or will Jessica Pegula’s resilience and precision carve a path to her first Grand Slam final? The answer will determine who moves one step closer to US Open glory.