A tennis draw can show a player moving into the next round without a ball being hit. The result is usually marked “W/O,” short for walkover. It can change a tournament in a moment, especially when it happens before a high-profile match.
A walkover means a player advances because their scheduled opponent cannot play before the match begins. Here’s how it differs from a retirement or a bye, why it happens, and what it can mean for both players.
What does a walkover mean in tennis?
A walkover occurs when a player is unable to start a scheduled match and the opponent is awarded the win and advances. The match itself is not played. Injury and illness are common reasons, but a player may also withdraw for personal or other circumstances.
For example, if two players are due to meet in a semifinal and one withdraws before the match starts, the other player receives a walkover into the final. The draw or match record may show “W/O” rather than a score such as 6–4, 6–3.
Walkovers can happen in singles or doubles, and at any stage of a tournament. They are not a special type of scoring: they are an outcome that allows the competition to continue when one player or team cannot take the court.
Why do tennis walkovers happen?
The most common reason is a player’s health. A tennis schedule can involve several matches in a short period, and a problem that starts during one round may make it unsafe to play the next. A player might withdraw because of an injury, illness, or concern that playing could make a condition worse.
Other reasons can include personal or family circumstances. The tournament may announce a reason, but it does not always share private details. A walkover should not automatically be taken as evidence that a player lacked effort or did not want to face a particular opponent.
One well-known example came at the 2014 ATP World Tour Finals. Roger Federer withdrew from the final against Novak Djokovic because of a back injury, so Djokovic received the title by walkover. There was no final score, because the match never started.
Walkover vs. retirement, bye, and default
These terms all describe different ways a player may not complete a match or may move through a draw, but they are not interchangeable.
| Term | What happens | Was the match started? |
|---|---|---|
| Walkover | One player cannot play, so the opponent advances. | No |
| Retirement | A player stops playing after the match has begun, often because of injury or illness. | Yes |
| Bye | A player advances past a round because the draw gives them a bye; no opponent is assigned for that round. | No match is scheduled |
| Default | A player is removed from a match or event for a rules violation or other serious breach. | It depends on when the decision is made |
The key difference between a walkover and a retirement is timing. If a player withdraws before the first serve, it is generally a walkover. If the match has started and the player stops, it is generally a retirement. A weather delay, by itself, is neither: officials normally reschedule or pause the match.
A bye is different again. It is built into the draw, often because the number of players does not fill every place in the first round. The player receiving a bye does not have an opponent who has withdrawn.
What does a walkover mean for the players?
The player who is ready to compete moves into the next round, but does not get the usual experience of winning a match on court. They may gain extra rest, which can be helpful during a demanding tournament. On the other hand, they miss the chance to test their timing, work through nerves, and learn about the next opponent under match conditions.
The player who withdraws does not play and may lose the opportunity to earn more prize money or ranking points. The exact financial and ranking consequences depend on the tournament and its rules, so it is best not to assume that every walkover is treated the same. A player’s withdrawal also does not always mean they are removed from every later event; that depends on their health and schedule.
For fans, the practical result is simple: the next round goes ahead with the advancing player. But a walkover can affect the shape of a draw. One player may arrive at a later match with more rest, while their opponent has played a tough contest. Extra rest can be an advantage, but it does not guarantee a better performance.
How is a walkover recorded?
A walkover is usually marked “W/O” in a draw or match listing, rather than shown with a set-by-set score. Because no match was played, there are no match statistics such as aces, winners, or unforced errors from that fixture.
Draws and player records can display walkovers differently, so check the tournament’s official results if you need a precise record. A walkover should not be confused with a short match or a retirement: the players never began that contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a walkover count as a win?
The opponent advances and is treated as the winner of that draw match. However, no tennis was played, and records or statistics may distinguish a walkover from a completed match. Tournament rules determine how points and prize money are handled.
Does a player receive a score after a walkover?
Usually not. The result is commonly listed as “W/O” because there was no played score. It is not recorded as a straight-sets win with made-up game scores.
Can a player get a walkover after a match starts?
Generally, no. If a player stops after the first serve, the result is normally called a retirement. A walkover applies when the match does not begin.
Is a walkover the same as a bye?
No. A bye is part of the tournament draw and means a player has no opponent in that round. A walkover happens when a match is scheduled but one player cannot start it.
Final Thoughts
A tennis walkover is an advance into the next round when an opponent withdraws before a match begins. It is different from a retirement, which happens after play starts, and from a bye, which is built into the draw. When you see “W/O,” it means the result was decided without a match on court—not that the players completed a contest with an unusually quick score.
