A Grand Slam walkover means a player advances to the next round because their scheduled opponent cannot play. The match itself does not take place, so the player who advances wins without hitting a ball in that round.
Walkovers are usually caused by injury or illness, but other personal or tournament-related circumstances can also prevent a player from competing. Knowing the difference between a walkover, a retirement and a default makes draw updates and match records much easier to understand.
What does a walkover mean in tennis?
A walkover is recorded when a match is due to be played but one player or team withdraws before it begins. The opponent is awarded passage to the next round. In scoreboards and draws, the result is often shown as “W/O.”
At a Grand Slam, this can happen at any stage, from the first round to the final. For example, Matteo Berrettini withdrew from Wimbledon in 2022 after testing positive for COVID-19. His scheduled first-round opponent, Cristian Garin, advanced by walkover.
A walkover is not the same as a bye. A bye is a place in the next round given in advance, usually because of the size of the draw. A walkover happens after a match has been scheduled and an opponent then becomes unable to play.
Walkover vs. retirement vs. default
The key difference is when and why the match stops. A walkover happens before play starts. A retirement happens after the match has begun, while a default is a penalty that ends a match because of a serious rules violation.
| Result | When it happens | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Walkover | Before the first point | One player cannot compete; the opponent advances |
| Retirement | After play has started | A player stops, often because of injury or illness |
| Default | Usually during the match | A player is disqualified under tournament rules |
For instance, if a player withdraws with a shoulder injury the morning of a quarter-final, that is a walkover. If the player starts the match but quits after losing the first set because the shoulder worsens, it is a retirement. A default is different again: it can follow conduct such as a serious code violation.
Why do Grand Slam walkovers happen?
Injuries and illness are common reasons. Grand Slam matches can be physically demanding, and players may have little time to recover between rounds. A problem that seems manageable early in a tournament can become too severe to risk another match.
Players may also withdraw for personal reasons or because of an event-specific issue. The announcement does not always include detailed medical information, so it is best not to assume more than the tournament or player has confirmed.
Timing matters, too. A player who withdraws before the draw is made may be replaced, depending on the draw and tournament rules. Once the match is set, a late withdrawal is more likely to leave the opponent advancing by walkover. The exact process can depend on the event’s regulations and when the withdrawal is confirmed.
What happens to the players?
The player who advances
The advancing player moves into the next round without playing the scheduled match. That can offer valuable recovery time, especially in a long tournament. But it is not always an easy advantage: the player may have prepared for a match, only to face a change in schedule and a longer wait before competing again.
In the next round, the opponent may arrive with fresh legs, while the player who received the walkover may have to rebuild their match rhythm. There is no guaranteed tactical benefit either way. A rest day can help a player recover, but it cannot replace the timing and confidence that come from playing points under pressure.
The player who withdraws
The withdrawing player does not play the match and cannot advance. They may have to leave the tournament or focus on recovery, depending on the circumstances. Prize money and ranking consequences can depend on the tournament’s rules and how far the player progressed, so a walkover does not have one universal financial outcome.
How does a walkover affect fans and the draw?
If you are following a Grand Slam, check the official draw or order of play for the latest information. A walkover can change the schedule, and another match may be moved onto the court. If you have tickets, check the event’s ticket terms and updates; the planned match may not take place even if the session itself continues.
For fans tracking a player’s results, remember that a walkover is not a match win in the usual on-court sense. The player advances, but the scheduled contest has no completed score. It is also different from a close match that ends in retirement: in that case, at least some tennis was played.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a player who gets a walkover win the match?
They are officially advanced to the next round, but no points are played and there is no ordinary match score. The draw typically marks the result as “W/O.”
Is a walkover the same as a retirement?
No. A walkover occurs before the match starts. A retirement occurs after play has begun, when a player stops before the match is complete.
Can a player receive a walkover in a Grand Slam final?
Yes. If a finalist cannot compete before the match starts, the other finalist can be awarded the title by walkover. The match itself would not be played.
Does a walkover count as a match played?
No points are played, so it is not a completed on-court match. The player still advances in the draw. How records, rankings and payments are handled depends on the relevant rules and context.
Final Thoughts
A Grand Slam walkover is a pre-match withdrawal that sends one player into the next round without a contest. The simplest way to tell it apart from other outcomes is timing: before the first point means walkover, stopping after play begins means retirement, and a rule-based disqualification means default. For fans, checking the updated draw is the best way to see how a withdrawal affects the tournament.
