Marketa Vondrousova's hopes of making her first US Open semifinal came to an end in an absolutely brutal way after the world No. 60 wasn't even able to step on the court for her quarterfinal match against Aryna Sabalenka.
On Sunday, Vondrousova - who surgically repaired her shoulder in late 2024 and struggled for a good portion of 2025 - defeated Elena Rybakina in three sets to continue her resurgence at the US Open. On Tuesday, the Czech tennis star was slated to return to the court and seek another major win. But just before the start of the match, the 26-year-old announced she was pulling out of the Sabalenka match after picking up a knee injury during the Rybakina contest.
Vondrousova: It breaks my heart that I have to withdraw from the Sabalenka match
It breaks my heart that I cant step on court today at the US Open because of the injury I picked up in my last match. This place is so special to me exactly one year ago I was in surgery; not even sure if I would ever return. Being back here, competing again and enjoying such beautiful matches has meant more than words can say. Thankful for all the love and support," the 2023 Wimbledon winner said in a message posted on social media.
Through the first five months of the season, Vondrousova was limited to just five tournaments. But then, the Czech managed to lift her first title of the year on the grass courts of Berlin and was also progressing very nicely at the US Open. Two years ago, she made the US Open quarterfinal, while she didn't play in New York last year due to injury.
Vondrousova may not have been able to play against Sabalenka, but there is one positive from her New York run - she clinched a couple of strong wins and she is guaranteed to improve at least 24 spots and be ranked at No. 36 on Monday.
