Tennis is a sport where every rally matters, and fans expect long battles, tight sets, and dramatic finishes. But sometimes, a match ends without a single ball being hit. The scoreboard shows “WO”, and one player moves to the next round without stepping onto the court. This situation is called a walkover.
In recent seasons, walkovers have become more noticeable due to injuries, tight schedules, and physical demands on players. Here’s a look at what a walkover in tennis means, when it happens, and how it affects players, tournaments, and fans.
What Does Walkover Mean in Tennis?
In tennis, a walkover happens when a player wins a match without playing it, because the opponent is unable or unwilling to start the match.
The key point is timing:
If a player withdraws before the first serve is hit, the match is declared a walkover. The winner advances automatically to the next round.
The term “walkover” literally means winning without a contest, and on scoreboards it is shown as WO.
When Does a Walkover Happen?
According to ATP, WTA, and ITF rules, walkovers usually occur for these reasons:
- Injury – A player gets injured before the match, often during warm-up or in the previous round
- Illness – Fever, viral infection, stomach issues, or exhaustion
- Personal reasons – Family emergencies or mental health concerns
- Disciplinary action – Suspension, disqualification, or rule violations
- Failure to appear – Very rare, but if a player does not show up on time
Important:
If the match has already started and a player stops playing later, it is called a retirement, not a walkover.
Walkover vs Retirement vs Bye
| Term | What It Means | Match Played? |
|---|---|---|
| Walkover (WO) | Opponent withdraws before match starts | ❌ No |
| Retirement (RET) | Player quits after match has started | ✅ Yes |
| Bye | Player advances due to draw structure | ❌ No |
A bye is planned in advance (often for top seeds), while a walkover is unexpected.
What Happens to Ranking Points and Prize Money?
- The player who receives a walkover:
- Advances to the next round
- Gets ranking points and prize money for that round
- The player who withdraws:
- Gets no match win
- Usually keeps prize money earned from earlier rounds
- Receives no points for the walkover match
In Grand Slams, rules are similar, though prize money structures may vary slightly.
Impact of Walkovers on Tennis
For Players
A walkover can be a mixed result. The winner saves energy, which helps in long tournaments, but may also lose match rhythm.
For Tournaments
Schedules must be adjusted quickly, and broadcasters may lose a featured match.
For Fans
Fans are often disappointed, especially if a big-name match is canceled at the last moment.
Famous Walkover Examples in Tennis
- Novak Djokovic has advanced by walkover multiple times in Grand Slams due to opponent injuries
- Naomi Osaka once gave a walkover at the Australian Open because of injury
- Legends like Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have both received and given walkovers during their careers
These cases highlight how physically demanding modern tennis has become.
Why Walkovers Are Increasing in Modern Tennis
- Longer matches and packed calendars
- Higher physical intensity
- Players prioritizing long-term health
- Better awareness of injury risks
Today, players are more careful about pushing through pain, even if it means withdrawing before a match.
A walkover may not provide on-court drama, but it is an important part of tennis rules. It reminds us that tennis is not just about skill, but also about fitness, recovery, and smart decision-making.
So next time you see “WO” on a tennis scoreboard, you’ll know exactly what happened — the match ended before it even began.
