Know the meaning of a walkover in tennis
Winning your match is the easiest method to advance through a tennis tournament.
What is a walkover in tennis, rule meaning explained, difference vs retirement and betting rules
There are some less traditional ways to progress as well though. For instance, taking advantage of a retirement or a walkover.
Well we all know what happened the last time a former champion advanced to the French open final via walkover 🏆 pic.twitter.com/NINiEs5GsP
— B🦋 (@biancatalks__) June 6, 2025
A walkover in tennis is when a player advances to the next round of a competition without actually playing their match because their opponent is unable to play.
This could be the result of their opponent being hurt, unwell, or kicked out of the competition completely.
Nick Kyrgios receives a walkover to the Wimbledon final. pic.twitter.com/Gfn9ljBgOp
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 7, 2022
A walkover is usually verified prior to the game and a ‘lucky loser’ will take the place of the player who is withdrawing, depending on when the announcement is made.
A player’s mid-match withdrawal is referred to as retirement. A walkover win occurs when a player advances as a result of their opponent pulling out of a tournament before a match and since the match never started, all bets would void.
When a player begins a game but is unable to complete it because of a sickness, injury, or other problem, they are said to have retired. The opponent is proclaimed the match’s victor when this occurs. In addition, the match advances to the following round. A retirement, as opposed to a walkover, is declared in the middle of the game, frequently after the wounded player has attempted to continue. But they know they can’t finish the competition.
Difference between walkover and retirement
For all the tennis fans, knowing the difference between a retirement and a walkover is essential. A walkover happens when a player leaves the game before it starts, according to the Friend of Court rulebook published by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). It frequently occurs as a result of injury. A retirement, on the other hand, takes place during the game. The opponent can move forward in both situations, but the timing and conditions are different.
One player advance without finishing a match in both walkovers and retirements. They vary, nevertheless, in their occurrence and timing. These circumstances have already affected the 2024 US Open. They serve as an example of the physical demands of playing tennis at the top level.
More players might have to make the tough choice to withdraw as the competition goes on. It only emphasizes how difficult the sport is.