If you’ve ever tuned in to a big tennis match—maybe the US Open in New York or Wimbledon on TV—you might have seen a player advance without even stepping onto the court. This isn’t a scheduling glitch or a lucky break; it’s something called a walkover.
Walkovers may not be as thrilling as a five-set battle under the lights, but they’re part of the sport and can shape the outcome of tournaments in surprising ways. Whether you’re a casual fan or someone brushing up on tennis rules before heading to a local match, understanding what a walkover means will help you follow the game more closely.
What Is a Walkover in Tennis?
A walkover in tennis happens when a player advances to the next round of a tournament because their opponent is unable to compete. This typically occurs before the match officially starts.
Key Reasons a Walkover Happens
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Injury – The most common reason, such as a pulled muscle or sprained ankle.
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Illness – Players may withdraw due to flu, heat exhaustion, or other health issues.
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Personal Reasons – Family emergencies or other off-court matters.
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Rule Violations – Rare cases where a player may be disqualified before play.
👉 Important note: If a player starts a match and then cannot finish, it’s called a retirement, not a walkover.
Famous Walkovers in Tennis History
U.S. Examples
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Serena Williams – 2021 Wimbledon: Although not technically a walkover (she retired mid-match due to injury), her withdrawal was one of the most high-profile cases in recent memory.
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Rafael Nadal – 2019 US Open (Semifinal): Nadal advanced when his opponent withdrew before their match, giving him extra rest before the final.
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Roger Federer – 2014 ATP Finals: Federer gave Novak Djokovic a walkover in the championship match due to back pain—an extremely rare case at that stage.
These examples show that walkovers don’t only happen in early rounds; they can affect the very biggest matches.
How Do Walkovers Affect Players and Fans?
For Players
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Advantage: The advancing player gets extra rest before the next match.
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Disadvantage: Missing match play can disrupt rhythm and momentum.
For Fans
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Disappointment: Especially when it involves a star player.
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Surprise Factor: Walkovers can open doors for underdogs, reshaping the tournament bracket.
FAQs About Walkovers in Tennis
1. Do players get prize money for a walkover?
Yes. The withdrawing player usually still receives prize money for the round they reached, depending on tournament rules.
2. Does a walkover count as a win?
Yes, the advancing player gets credited with the victory, but no match stats are recorded.
3. Can walkovers happen in doubles?
Absolutely. If one member of a doubles team can’t play, the team forfeits and the opponents advance.
Conclusion
Walkovers may not provide the on-court drama fans crave, but they’re an essential part of tennis rules, protecting player health and ensuring tournaments run smoothly. Next time you hear the word during the US Open broadcast or see it in a scoreline, you’ll know exactly what it means—and how it might shake up the competition.
👉 Want more tennis insights? Keep following major tournaments and check out official updates from the ATP, WTA, and ITF.