MARKETA Vondrousova has pulled out of her US Open doubles clash due to an arm injury, ending her partner Barbora Strycova’s doubles career.
The 2023 Wimbledon singles champion was caught crying in the cool-down area as she made the decision to withdraw.
Twitter/ popalorenaMarketa Vondrousova had to pull out of a US Open doubles clash due to an arm injury[/caption]
Twitter/ popalorenaVondrousova broke down in tears as her doubles partner, Barbora Strycova, came to console her[/caption]
GettyVondrousova seemingly picked up the injury during a singles win against Peyton Stearns earlier in the day[/caption]
Vondrousova and Strycova, both from the Czech Republic, were supposed to take on Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski in the Round of 16 on Monday.
But the world’s No. 9 didn’t feel fit enough to play after seemingly picking up an injury in her singles win over Peyton Stearns earlier that day.
The 24-year-old had a bag of ice attached to her left wrist as Strycova came to comfort her before the duo officially pulled out of the match.
Embraced by her partner, Vondrousova then started to cry.
The decision effectively ended Strycova’s doubles career.
The 37-year-old is retiring after the 2023 US Open.
She is still in play for the mixed doubles title, though.
Strycova will team up with Mexico’s Santiago Gonzalez against Ena Shibahara and Mate Pavic in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
The Czech ace won two Grand Slam doubles titles in her career.
Her most recent triumph came at this year’s Wimbledon, which saw Vondrousova claim her first Grand Slam victory.
Strycova also won the Olympic bronze in doubles at the 2016 Games in Rio De Janeiro.
Vondrousova is scheduled to play Madison Keys in the singles quarterfinals clash on Wednesday.
But it’s unclear whether the injury will allow her to continue her pursuit of the US Open championship.