Fans who bought tickets for Tuesday’s Arthur Ashe Night Session have been left disappointed after 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova withdrew from the US Open. She was scheduled to play the defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, in the opening match before Novak Djokovic faces Taylor Fritz.
Marketa Vondrousova Withdraws From US Open
Vondrousova has dealt with injury issues for more than a year. After losing in the opening round of her title defense at last year’s Wimbledon, she underwent surgery for a severe shoulder problem. The Czech returned at the start of this season and returned to form quicker than many expected. However, that same issue resurfaced in February, and she spent more time on the sidelines, missing nearly three months. Vondrousova’s latest return began from the clay court swing.
Once again, Vondrousova quickly played good tennis. Her most notable success was winning the title in Berlin despite several top players competing at the tournament, including Sabalenka and Coco Gauff. Some thought she could seriously challenge for another Wimbledon title, but that did not happen.
The US Open confirmed that Vondrousova’s withdrawal was due to an injury but did not provide further details. A recurrence of the shoulder problem is the most likely explanation, but Vondrousova or someone needs to confirm this for fans to be sure.
Despite moving straight through the semifinal and setting up a repeat of last year’s final with Jessica Pegula, Sabalenka outlined her sympathy for Vondrousova in a social media statement and said she hopes the Olympic Silver Medalist recovers swiftly.
“So sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through. She has been playing amazing tennis and I know had badly this must hurt for her. Take care of yourself and I hope you can recover quickly. Love Aryna.”
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
