After reaching the US Open quarterfinals for the first time, Marketa Vondrousova made a strategic decision to withdraw from doubles in order to conserve her energy and body for singles. This means that Barbora Strycova was left without a doubles partner at her last career tournament.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Vondrousova rallied from a set down to defeat American world No.59 Peyton Stearns in Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday. Feeling pain in her arm after a gruelling battle against Stearns, the Czech pulled out of the third-round doubles match she was due to play later that day with Strycova.
The decision by the Czech duo to withdraw has propelled the 16th-seeded team of Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe into the quarterfinals of the US Open, where they will face off against the sixth-seeded pairing of Leylah Fernandez and Taylor Townsend.
It was a difficult decision for Vondrousova to make, but it was a necessary one. Fortunately, Strycova is supportive and understands the circumstances.
Vondrousova explained the situation:
It’s sad. … I cried a bit when I told Barbora. She’s very experienced player, you know, and I’m just very grateful to have her by my side and it’s so good that she understands.
Strycova shared a heartwarming photo capturing her smile and embrace with Vondrousova, accompanied by the following caption:
Sometimes things happen. But we had a ride here. I enjoyed every minute. Now go and win it here!
The world No.9 Vondrousova is striving to achieve a rare feat, aiming to be the first woman to secure back-to-back victories at Wimbledon and the US Open since Serena Williams accomplished this in 2012. Her obstacle en route to the semifinals will be American seed No.19 Madison Keys.
