FORMER WIMBLEDON champion Marketa Vondrousova dramatically quit the US Open in tears after suffering a freak injury during practice.
Two hours before she was set to play in front of 24,000 fans on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Czech player announced she would not take to the court for a quarter-final showdown with Aryna Sabalenka.
Defending women’s champion Sabalenka was informed of the news by an official in the bowels of the stadium and was given an automatic bye into the semi-finals – where she will face American Jessica Pegula.
It was a sad way for Vondrousova to finish the tournament, especially as she missed last year’s trip to New York due to injury.
ESPN were filming her practice on Tuesday afternoon as she hit a routine forehand and then doubled down in agony.
She hurt something when striking the ball and was unable to continue the session.
The 26-year-old sat down on a chair and looked visibly upset as she placed her face in a towel before being consoled by her team.
As she walked off and left the practice area, with a bag over her shoulder, she was seen texting on her mobile.
Vondrousova said in a statement: “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 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 apologise to the fans who were looking forward to the match. I had an amazing time here in New York and can’t wait to be back next year.”
The sudden exit forced US Open bosses to change their schedule at short notice because Sabalenka versus Vondrousova was the 7pm match before Novak Djokovic took on Taylor Fritz in the men’s quarter-finals.
A USTA spokesperson said: “Marketa Vondrousova has withdrawn from the US Open Women’s Singles event with an injury.
“Aryna Sabalenka advances to the women’s singles semifinals via walkover.”
The year before Vondrousova became the Queen of grass, she had two surgeries on her left wrist – the cast only came off before her wedding – and there were concerns she might not be strong enough to carry on playing at the highest level.
It was during her extended layoff from the WTA Tour that her contract with sponsors Nike was not renewed.
Vondrousova, one of many successful Czech left-handed champions, loves her tattoos and proudly shows them off whenever she plays tennis.
Sabalenka, 27, wrote on Instagram: “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. Love, Aryna.”
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