US Open thrown into chaos as Marketa Vondrousova withdraws two hours before quarterfinal… leaving $500-a-seat ticket holders devastated
US Open fans were dealt a major blow on Tuesday evening as Marketa Vondrousova withdrew just two hours before her quarterfinal matchup against Aryna Sabalenka.
The news, first reported on ESPN, is reflected on the US Open website, which shows Sabalenka winning via walkover.
Fans had paid extremely exorbitant prices to see Tuesday’s night session on Arthur Ashe, as resale tickets were starting at $500 – and going up to $2,000 for courtside seats – just hours before the match was scheduled to begin at 7pm.
Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion, has battled injuries in the past and reportedly picked up a new injury in practice.
She is said to have practiced for just 10 minutes after stepping onto the court at 4pm and was reportedly seen crying on the bench.
Sabalenka will now face American Jessica Pegula in the semifinals – in a rematch of their championship matchup last year.
Marketa Vondrousova pulled out of the US Open just hours before the quarterfinals
Vondrousova was overcome with emotion after winning in the fourth round
The Belarusian took to her Instagram story to react to the unfortunate news, writing: ‘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.’
Vondrousova was overcome with emotion after clinching her spot in the quarterfinals, as she broke down in tears and put her face in a towel.
Since becoming the first unseeded women to win Wimbledon in the Open Era, Vondrousova has dealt with hand and shoulder injuries and underwent two surgeries.
However, she re-captured some of her best form this year at the US Open as she beat seeded players McCartney Kessler, Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina.
‘It’s amazing. It was an amazing match. After everything I’ve been through, it’s amazing to be standing here again,’ Vondrousova said after defeating Rybakina in the fourth round.
Following Vondrousova’s withdrawal, the US Open announced a ‘revised’ schedule for the evening session would be announced shortly.
Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz had been scheduled to play after Vondrousova and Sabalenka’s quarterfinal.
