What Is a Walkover in Tennis?

Tennis matches typically involve dramatic points, roaring crowds and physical exertion. Sometimes, however, a player advances to the next round without hitting a ball because their opponent cannot compete. This situation is known as a walkover. In this article, we’ll explore what a walkover is, when it happens and how it affects tournament outcomes.

Definition of a Walkover

In tennis, a walkover occurs when a player or team cannot start a scheduled match due to injury, illness, or other legitimate reason, and their opponent advances without playing. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) recognizes a walkover as distinct from a retirement, which happens when a match has already started. If a player withdraws before any points are played, the opponent wins by walkover. This can happen in any round, from qualifying matches to finals.

Walkover vs. Retirement

It’s important to distinguish between a walkover and a retirement:

• Walkover – The match never begins. One player cannot take the court, so the other player advances without any points played.
• Retirement – The match starts, but a player is forced to stop due to injury, illness or other reason. The opponent wins, and the partial score stands.

A walkover is recorded differently from a retirement or a default (disqualification). In the draw, the term “W/O” or “walkover” appears next to the winner’s name.

Common Reasons for Walkovers

Walkovers are unfortunate but sometimes unavoidable. Reasons players withdraw include:

1. Injury or physical exhaustion – After a grueling match, a player may discover they cannot physically continue the next day.
2. Illness – Flu, food poisoning or sudden health issues can force a player to skip the next match.
3. Personal reasons – Family emergencies or other personal matters may require a withdrawal.
4. Scheduling conflicts – In smaller tournaments, players competing in singles and doubles might choose to withdraw from one event to focus on another.

Impact on Tournaments

Does the Winner Get Ranking Points and Prize Money?

In most professional tournaments, a player who receives a walkover still earns the ranking points and prize money for reaching the next round. However, the player who withdraws does not collect points or prize money beyond the previous round. Specific policies vary by governing body and event; players and coaches should check tournament rules.

Betting Considerations

Sportsbooks handle walkovers differently. Some void wagers if a match doesn’t start, while others may consider the bet active. According to the sports betting site WagerTalk, moneyline bets often stipulate that a match must be completed or at least one set played for action, but rules differ. Always review a bookmaker’s policy before placing a bet on tennis.

Effect on Opponent Preparedness

A walkover can disrupt a player’s rhythm. While advancing without effort saves energy, missing a match may leave a player under-prepared for the next opponent. In tournaments with dense schedules (e.g., three matches in one week), a walkover offers extra rest that could be a strategic advantage.

Famous Walkovers

Walkovers are relatively rare in high-profile matches, but notable examples exist:

• 2012 London Olympics – men’s singles – Roger Federer advanced to the semifinals when his quarterfinal opponent, Juan Martín del Potro, withdrew with a knee injury.
• 2020 US Open – men’s singles fourth round – Novak Djokovic advanced when his scheduled opponent, Tennys Sandgren, withdrew due to injury.
• Grand Slam qualifying – Walkovers often occur in early rounds or qualifiers when lower-ranked players must compete multiple days in a row.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a walkover count as a win on a player’s record?

Yes, a walkover is recorded as a win for the advancing player and a loss for the opponent. Rankings points and prize money are allocated accordingly.

Can a player request a walkover?

Players cannot request a walkover arbitrarily. They must provide a legitimate reason, such as a medical issue. Tournament doctors may verify injuries before granting a walkover.

What happens to doubles matches if one player withdraws?

In doubles, if one player from a team cannot compete, the entire team must withdraw and the opponents receive a walkover.

Are spectators refunded if there is a walkover?

Refund policies vary by tournament. Some events offer refunds or exchange tickets when matches are cancelled, while others treat it as part of the risk of attending live sports.

Conclusion

A walkover is a technical term for when a player advances because their opponent cannot start the match. While it may disappoint fans expecting a showdown, walkovers are sometimes necessary to protect player health. Understanding the distinction between a walkover and a retirement, as well as the implications for rankings, betting and tournament logistics, will help you follow tennis more closely. Next time you see “W/O” on a draw sheet, you’ll know exactly what it means and why it happened.