NEW YORK — In a stunning and emotional turn of events at the 2024 US Open, reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova was forced to withdraw from the tournament less than two hours before her highly anticipated fourth-round showdown with second seed Aryna Sabalenka. The Czech star, seeded sixth, made the tearful decision after suffering an acute right elbow injury during her third-round victory over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, a heartbreaking end to her Flushing Meadows campaign.
The withdrawal sent shockwaves through the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, robbing the tournament of a marquee match between two recent Grand Slam champions. Vondrousova, who had been playing through discomfort, arrived on site Sunday morning hoping for a miracle recovery but was ultimately unable to even grip her racquet properly. The official announcement came just after 11:30 a.m. local time, with her match against Sabalenka scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
A Devastating Decision Made in Tears
The scene was one of profound disappointment. Vondrousova, accompanied by her team and a tournament physio, arrived at the player facilities to test her arm. Witnesses described a somber atmosphere, with the 24-year-old ultimately breaking down in tears upon the realization that competing was impossible. "She tried to practice but couldn't serve or hit a backhand without severe pain," a source close to the situation revealed.
In a press conference held shortly after the withdrawal was confirmed, a visibly emotional Vondrousova explained her predicament. "I'm very sad. I mean, to not play this match, it's very bad for me. I really wanted to play. I love playing on big stages. I was really looking forward to the match," she stated, her voice cracking with emotion. She detailed that the pain became unbearable overnight, leaving her unable to straighten her arm.
The Injury: A Freak Accident with Major Consequences
The origin of the injury traces back to her third-round match on Friday against Pavlyuchenkova. During a point, Vondrousova took a fall on her right arm while attempting a shot. Though she managed to win the match in straight sets, the damage was done. "I felt it immediately, a sharp pain in the elbow. I iced it and hoped it was nothing serious, but when I woke up Saturday, it was much worse," she recounted.
Medical examinations confirmed the worst: an acute injury that required immediate rest and treatment to prevent longer-term issues. The sudden nature of the setback highlights the physical fragility inherent in the sport, where a single slip can derail months of preparation and ambition.
Sabalenka Advances, But With Empathy
For Aryna Sabalenka, the news meant a walkover into her fourth consecutive US Open quarterfinal. However, the Belarusian powerhouse expressed no joy in the manner of her advancement. "I was really looking forward to playing her. It's always tough matches against her. I just hope she will recover quickly and she will be back for the rest of the season," Sabalenka said in a statement. She now awaits the winner of the match between Daria Kasatkina and Wang Xiyu.
This development significantly alters the landscape of the bottom half of the draw. Sabalenka, the 2023 Australian Open champion, is now the overwhelming favorite to reach the final from her section. A potential semifinal clash with US Open champion Coco Gauff looms, a blockbuster matchup that now feels almost inevitable given the circumstances.
A History of Bad Luck at the US Open
Tragically for Vondrousova, this is not her first experience with injury misfortune in New York. The left-hander has struggled with physical problems at the season's final major throughout her career. This withdrawal marks the third time in her last four appearances at the US Open that she has been unable to finish the tournament due to injury, a frustrating pattern for one of the game's most talented shot-makers.
Her best result remains a quarterfinal appearance in 2021, but even that run was hampered by physical issues. This latest setback is a cruel blow, especially coming on the heels of her breakthrough Wimbledon triumph in 2023, which announced her as a major force on the WTA Tour.
The Ripple Effect: Implications for the Season
The withdrawal has significant ramifications beyond this tournament. Key points to consider include:
- Race to the WTA Finals: Vondrousova was in a strong position to qualify for the season-ending championships in Riyadh. These missed points could jeopardize her chances.
- Physical Recovery: The timeline for an elbow injury of this nature is uncertain, potentially putting her Asian swing and beyond in doubt.
- Mental Toll: The psychological impact of withdrawing from a major, especially in tears, cannot be understated for an athlete at the peak of her powers.
The WTA Tour released a brief statement wishing Vondrousova a speedy recovery. Fellow players also took to social media to express their support, highlighting the respect she commands within the locker room. Jessica Pegula posted, "So sorry to see this, Marketa. Get well soon!" — a sentiment echoed by many across the tennis world.
Looking Ahead: A Hope for Swift Healing
As the US Open moves on without her, the focus for Marketa Vondrousova shifts entirely to rehabilitation. Her team confirmed she will return to the Czech Republic for further medical evaluation to determine the full extent of the ligament damage in her elbow. The hope is that with rest and treatment, she can return to the court before the end of the 2024 season.
For now, the image of a tearful champion forced to concede her chance at glory serves as a stark reminder of the fine line athletes walk between peak performance and debilitating injury. The US Open has lost a star, and the tournament is undoubtedly poorer for her absence.