Markéta Vondroušová’s U.S. Open journey came to an early and unfortunate end on Tuesday.

The unseeded Czech withdrew from the tournament after a practice injury, hours before she was set to face off against No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

“I am sorry to announce that I have to withdraw from my quarterfinal match this evening due to a knee injury,” Vondrousova said in a statement. “I tried my best to take the court today but during the warm-up I felt again my knee and after consultation with the tournament doctor decided not to risk aggravating the injury. I appreciate all the support this tournament and apologize 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.”

Aryna Sabalenka hitting a return during her match against Polina Kudermetova. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Jessica Pegula reacts as she plays against Barbora Krejcikova on Day 10 of the 2025 US Open. Annie Wermiel/NY Post

Vondroušová, 26, winced in pain after a forehand during her afternoon practice session, doubled over in pain and walked gingerly to the sideline.

According to ESPN, she was in tears while her team attended to her courtside.

Sabalenka now moves on to the semifinals, where she’ll face American Jessica Pegula on Thursday in a rematch of the 2024 final.

For Vondroušová, it marks the end of a run that saw her take down No. 32-seeded McCartney Kessler in the second round, seventh-seeded Jasmine Paolini in the third and No. 9 Elena Rybakina in the round of 16.

Breaking: Marketa Vondrousova has withdrawn from the US Open.

Aryna Sabalenka will face Jessica Pegula in the semifinal, a rematch of their 2024 US Open Final match. pic.twitter.com/SRDh3ili7o

— ESPN (@espn) September 2, 2025

Marketa Vondrousova in action against Elena Rybakina in the fourth round of the women’s singles at the US Open. Mike Frey-Imagn Images

A former junior World No. 1 who was ranked as high as No. 6 back in 2023, it was a return to form for a player who has struggled with injuries throughout her career.

“So Sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through,” Sabalenka posted to her Instagram Story after finding out the news. “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.”