The greatest path clearer emerges! Vondrousova withdraws, Sabalenka advances to the semifinals effortlessly, with fans saying she’s done a disservice to Kvitova and Pegula.

An unforeseen event happened earlier than expected! Nobody expected the spotlight match between Sabalenka and Vondrousova to conclude because the Czech player withdrew unexpectedly before the match.

Before Vondrousova’s withdrawal, although Sabalenka had quickly defeated Bouzkova in the previous round in only 73 minutes, there remained uncertainty among observers whether the Belarusian could surpass the Czech challenger.

In the fourth round against Rybakina, although the Kazakh beauty unleashed her powerful tennis to the fullest, the Czech player transformed into a Taiji master; no matter how fiercely Rybakina attacked, her heavy blows felt like hitting cotton, causing no damage to Vondrousova. Ultimately, Rybakina’s defeat was inevitable due to Vondrousova’s versatile tactics and excellent defense.

Seeing Vondrousova dismantle a strong-form Rybakina effortlessly naturally made Sabalenka the next major concern. Since the Czech player could reduce Rybakina’s stormy assault to a gentle breeze, she would surely be able to heavily challenge Sabalenka, known for her powerful style.

Some said that having Vondrousova face Sabalenka in the quarterfinals seemed like fate was determined to continue the curse preventing the US Open defending champion from succeeding again, warning that “the title is in danger.”

However, just as everyone settled in with their seats and popcorn, ready to watch Vondrousova challenge Sabalenka and see how the Belarusian would handle trouble, news broke an hour before the match that Vondrousova had withdrawn, causing a stir in public opinion!

Vondrousova’s withdrawal at this crucial moment allowed Sabalenka to advance to the semifinals without playing. Fans and netizens emphasized that the biggest threat to the Belarusian, who might have stopped her title defense early, had now withdrawn, making her path easier and marking her as the chosen one of this US Open, increasing her chances to defend the title successfully.

Currently, Sabalenka’s semifinal opponent is set! American wealthy heiress Pegula will face Kvitova, who delivered an epic performance at this year’s US Open, sweeping the two-time Grand Slam champion in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, which surprised many.

Before the match, predictions agreed that it would be a tough battle for either player to advance. However, once the match started, Kvitova was on the back foot from the first set. Facing Pegula’s steady and consistent play, the Czech’s weak serving and markedly slower pace compared to earlier rounds made it impossible to challenge the home favorite, and her defeat was inevitable.

After the match, fans and netizens commenting in the live stream found the game amusingly one-sided, joking that it didn’t feel like a fierce contest between a Grand Slam champion and runner-up, but more like a support race, saying the American heiress didn’t win by crossing the finish line but by running away.

Although Pegula won comfortably, she became one of the two players most sympathized with across social media after the match.

According to predictions, if Pegula defeated Kvitova and Vondrousova used her Taiji skills to heavily wear down Sabalenka, even if she couldn’t beat the Belarusian, a semifinal showdown between Sabalenka and Pegula would recreate last year’s US Open women’s singles peak battle, giving Pegula a strong chance to exact revenge and block Sabalenka from the final.

Pegula didn’t have a guaranteed win against the Belarusian, and now with Vondrousova withdrawing before the match, Sabalenka advances well-rested, making Pegula’s hope for revenge even slimmer.

Aside from Pegula, Rybakina is another player currently receiving widespread sympathy online.

Rybakina reached the US Open round of 16 for the first time this year, showing excellent form, and although she lost to Vondrousova, it was a close defeat.

With the Czech player’s sudden withdrawal, some fans and netizens helplessly questioned Vondrousova, asking, “If you were injured or unwell, why risk everything to fight so hard earlier? Not only was Nana’s good form wasted, but you also became the biggest path clearer at the US Open, causing hardship for two players and making everyone miss the ‘double Ba showdown.’”

As the biggest beneficiary of Vondrousova’s withdrawal, Sabalenka immediately expressed concern on her personal social media, saying, “I’m saddened by everything Marketa has gone through. She played incredible tennis, and I know she must be deeply hurt. Take good care of yourself, and I hope you recover quickly.”

However, some fans and netizens jokingly said the Belarusian didn’t break a sweat yet gained a semifinal spot by luck unmatched by anyone else, suggesting that behind comforting Vondrousova, Sabalenka was probably the happiest of all!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moon River’s Starry Sky)