Elena Rybakina retired from her third-round match against Antonia Ruzic at the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships.
The Kazakh had won a topsy-turvy first set 7-5, but was pegged back in the second, 4-6, as Ruzic forced a decider.
When Ruzic broke in the first game of the third set, Rybakina called for the physio.
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After a quick discussion, Rybakina retired from the match, confirming her exit from the Dubai Tennis Championships.
But what exactly did she tell the physio?
Elena Rybakina told the physio she was tired and that there was no reason to continue
As heard on the ‘Tennis Channel‘, Rybakina told the physio she wanted to retire from the match and explained why.
“[I have] Nausea, I ate, but in the morning I had a heavy head, I didn’t sleep well,” she said.
“So I’m going to stop.”
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The physio asked the world number three whether she wanted to be checked out, but Rybakina declined.
“Do you want us to do any assessment?” the physio asked.
“No, because I know what it is, it’s just tiredness,” said Rybakina.
“I don’t see the reason to continue.”
There was no fightback from the medical staff as they could see Rybakina was finished.
“That’s absolutely fine,” said the physio.
Rybakina then got up from her bench and shook hands with Ruzic, who will now play her first career WTA 1000 quarterfinal.
Retiring mid-match, Rybakina became the latest casualty at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
After a wave of pre-tournament withdrawals, the stars have continued to fall in the UAE.
Dubai Tennis Championships walkovers
- Sara Bejlek vs Belinda Bencic (2R)
- Daria Kasatkina vs Mirra Andreeva (2R)
- Barbora Krejcikova vs Amanda Anisimova (2R)
Dubai Tennis Championships retirements
- Hailey Baptiste vs Alexandra Eala (1R)
- Paula Badosa vs Elina Svitolina (2R)
- Ella Seidel vs Jaqueline Cristian (2R)
- Elena Rybakina vs Antonia Ruzic (3R)
Rybakina won’t want to dwell on Dubai for long, though, as she soon turns her attention to the upcoming ‘Sunshine Double’ WTA 1000 events in the United States.
The Kazakh is a former Indian Wells champion (2023) and two-time Miami Open finalist (2023 and 2024).
Antonia Ruzic sends best wishes to Elena Rybakina after retirement
Ruzic was happy to reach the quarterfinals, but made sure to wish Rybakina well during her post-match interview.
“First of all, I hope Elena [Rybakina] gets well soon,” she said.
“Not the way I wanted to win this match today.
“Of course, I’m seeing her more in the future.”
She then looked ahead to the quarterfinals, where she will play Belinda Bencic or Elina Svitolina.
“First time as a lucky loser, you’ve got to take your second chance,” said Ruzic.
“I’m here taking it, I’m going to the quarters, I’m happy with how I played today.
“Going into this match, I knew that I had nothing to lose.
“Of course, I wanted to show you guys the best tennis I can play.
“Just that I can enjoy on the court, and I did, so thank you for your support today.
“I’m happy to be into the next round.”
Ruzic will play Bencic or Svitolina in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Thursday, February 19.
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