Wednesday 03 / September / 2025
New York : Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals of the US Open on Wednesday via a walkover as 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova withdrew ahead of her quarterfinal fixture against Sabalenka, citing a knee injury.
Sabalenka is set to face Jessica Pegula in the semis, a rematch of last year's final.
"I am sorry to announce that I have to withdraw from my quarterfinal match this evening due to a knee injury. I tried my best to take the court today, but during the warm-up, I felt pain in my knee, and after consultation with the tournament doctor, I decided not to risk aggravating the injury. I appreciate all the support for this tournament and apologise to the fans who were looking forward to the match. I had an amazing time here in NY and can't wait to be back next year," Vondrousova said as quoted from the US Open website.
Sabalenka posted a message on her Instagram story for Vondrousova, "So sorry for Marketa after all she's been through. She has been playing amazing tennis, and I know how badly this must hurt for her. Take care of yourself, and I hope you can recover quickly."
Pegula advanced to the semifinals of the US Open, defeating Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3 on Tuesday to get in the final four at a Grand Slam tournament for just the second time in her career. Pegula possesses just two wins in nine encounters over Sabalenka.
Sabalenka stormed into the quarter finals with a dominant victory over Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 6-4 in the night session without dropping a set and assured herself of retaining the No. 1 ranking after the tournament.
Earlier in the tournament, Sabalenka showed why she is the World No. 1 and the defending champion, as she battled past Leylah Fernandez to secure a straight-sets victory 6-3, 7-6(2) in an intense third-round clash at the US Open 2025.
"Serena, you need to show up": Venus Williams calls on sister's support as she reaches US Open doubles quarter-finals
Veteran American tennis star Venus Williams has rolled back the years at the US Open 2025, storming into the women's doubles quarter-finals alongside Canada's Leylah Fernandez but amidst the celebrations, the 45-year-old had a special message for her sister and fellow legend Serena Williams, as per the official website of Olympics.com.
"Serena, you need to show up," Venus said, as quoted from the official website of Olympics.com.
Venus has shown remarkable grit and passion. Teaming up with Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist.
While Serena, a four-time Olympic gold medallist has admitted to feeling envious of not being able to pair up with her sister. Though she isn't competing, Serena now faces the pressure to be there and cheer Venus on from the stands.
"I think she had a very funny TikTok, but really she's so happy for Leylah and I, and she's given us advice," said Venus.
She added, "We just need her in the box. So, my message is, 'Serena, you need to show up.'"
The Williams sisters share a rich legacy together. They've won three Olympic doubles golds and lifted the US Open women's doubles title twice, in 1999 and 2009 and though Serena has stepped away from competitive tennis, Venus continues to inspire with her hunger and resilience
