The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships just served up a major shockwave, as one of its brightest stars, Elena Rybakina, was forced to withdraw, casting a spotlight on the incredible journey of lucky loser Antonia Ruzic.
Key Takeaways from Dubai:
- Elena Rybakina retired mid-match due to a GI illness.
- Lucky Loser Antonia Ruzic advanced to her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal.
- The tournament has seen an unprecedented 10 withdrawals, including top seeds.
- Defending champion Mirra Andreeva and Jessica Pegula continue their strong runs.
Rybakina's Unfortunate Exit Stuns Dubai Crowd
Rybakina, the reigning Australian Open champion, was clearly unwell during her third-round clash. She called for a trainer after Ruzic broke her serve to open the third set.
Citing nausea and a GI illness as the official reason, the top seed made the difficult decision to retire, much to the disappointment of fans. This sudden exit highlights the brutal physical demands of the WTA Tour and the fine line between pushing limits and prioritizing health.
Ruzic's Dream Run: From Lucky Loser to Quarterfinalist
What a story for Antonia Ruzic! She didn't even make it through qualifying, initially falling to Rebecca Sramkova. However, with an astonishing 10 withdrawals from the main draw – including powerhouses like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek – Ruzic seized her unexpected chance.
Her path included gritty three-set victories against Emma Raducanu and Anastasia Zakharova, showcasing remarkable resilience. This incredible performance marks her first-ever WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance, turning a lucky break into a well-earned triumph.
Other Contenders Power Through the Draw
The tournament is far from over, with several big names making their mark. Defending champion Mirra Andreeva showed her class, dispatching Jaqueline Cristian with a dominant 7-5, 6-3 victory. She now faces a tough test against second-seeded Amanda Anisimova.
Anisimova herself was in blistering form, cruising past Janice Tjen 6-1, 6-3. Their upcoming clash promises fireworks, especially after Anisimova's decisive win in their lone previous meeting at the 2025 Miami Open.
Pegula and Tauson Set for Blockbuster Clash
Jessica Pegula continued her impressive season, notching her 10th win in 12 contests. She overcame Iva Jovic 6-4, 6-2, demonstrating why she's a perennial threat on the hard courts.
Waiting for her in the next round is last year's runner-up, Clara Tauson, who similarly dominated Magda Linette 6-4, 6-2. This promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the next round, pitting two in-form players against each other.
