What is a walkover? Learn the meaning of this crucial tennis term this Wimbledon season

As Wimbledon unfolds, even casual fans notice terms like 'walkover,' where players exit matches before they begin due to injury.

Published on: Jul 9, 2025, 09:29:56 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Wimbledon season is on, which means all eyes are on arguably the most prestigious competition in tennis. Such is the craze that even non-tennis fans turn towards the All England Lawn Tennis Club where the top seeds in the sport battle it out. But, despite the game's growing popularity, recent tennis enthusiasts can easily be puzzled by the terms and rules governing this sport. And, one such term is 'walkover.'

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov's injury which forced him to retire injured from the men's singles match against Italy's Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon. (AP)

What is a walkover in tennis?

As per Sporting News, a walkover refers to a situation where a player pulls out of a match before it has started due to injury, illness, or removal from the event. The 2025 ATP Official Rulebook describes two situations where a walkover may be allowed: if the losing player is ill or injured prior to the start of the match or if they were subjected to penalties under the code of conduct prior to the match and hence cannot be permitted by the ATP or tournament supervisor to play.

In this case, the opponent automatically proceeds to the next round and can claim any monetary prize attached to such a position. Usually, no one is considered to be winning or losing in such a situation since the match was never played in the first place. Usually, a player who was eliminated during the qualifying rounds is brought up to step into the position of the player claiming a withdrawal.

Also read: Grigor Dimitrov inconsolable as cruel injury ruins near-certain Wimbledon upset vs Jannik Sinner

How is it different from a withdrawal, default, or retirement?

A retirement, on the other hand, happens when a player is unable to proceed further while playing the match. In such a scenario, play has already started and is paused due to a player’s inability to continue due to illness or injury mid-match.

A withdrawal occurs after a match has been played. As per Caanberry, this happens when a player entirely pulls out of an upcoming match and is usually announced before a draw is finalized.

And, default happens during or after a match has started and signals the disqualification of a player due to unsportsmanlike behavior or misconduct. The outcomes, in this scenario, usually depend on the timing of a default being announced.

By Stuti Gupta

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Catch all the latest Sports News, scores, and highlights in one place. Stay updated with real-time coverage of your favorite games and athletes along with Lionel Messi latest updates.