In tennis, a Walkover refers to the event when a player wins a match by default and without playing because the opponent cannot compete.
Some of the most common reasons for a walkover include:
- The opponent is injured or sick and not well enough to play.
- The opponent has violated the rules or code of conduct and has been disqualified as a result.
- The opponent is late to the match.
If any of these happen, the referee will declare a walkover and the remaining player will be automatically advanced to the next round.
Walkovers at Major Tournaments
Walkovers can happen at any level of a tennis tournament. One of the more recent notable walkovers happened in 2020 when Serena Williams had to withdraw before her second-round match at the French Open, giving Tsvetana Pironkova the walkover into the third round.
Walkovers in Betting
Walkovers are also noted in betting. When a walkover happens, the match is voided and the bets are returned. The same does not happen during a mid-match retirement.
Walkover VS Retirement
A walkover is different from a Retirement because retirement is when a player has started a match but cannot finish it.