Elena Rybakina advances to quarter-finals at Indian Wells
“It’s not easy, these kind of injuries. It was a tough match anyway. I’m glad I’m through to the next one,” said Elena Rybakina after her match against Sonay Kartal at the Indian Wells Open.
Rybakina advanced to the quarter-finals following Kartal’s retirement while trailing 6-4, 4-3. The reigning 2026 Australian Open champion displayed strong performance throughout the match, controlling most of the play before Kartal’s withdrawal.
Rybakina’s journey to the quarter-finals included victories over Hailey Baptiste and Marta Kostyuk, with her previous match against Baptiste ending in a score of 7-6, 2-6, 6-2.
In her match against Kartal, Rybakina surged to a double-break lead in the opening set, showcasing her dominance on the court. However, Kartal struggled with multiple medical timeouts, which ultimately affected her performance.
As Rybakina prepares for her next match against Jessica Pegula, a rematch of their Australian Open semifinal, she remains focused on her game. Currently ranked third in the WTA rankings, Rybakina aims to capitalize on her recent success.
The total prize pool for the Indian Wells Open stands at $9,415,725, with the champion set to earn $1,511,380 and 1,000 WTA ranking points.
Rybakina’s victory over Kartal marks her entry into the final eight of the tournament, and anticipation builds for her upcoming match against Pegula.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Kartal’s injury and its impact on her future matches.
As the tournament progresses, Rybakina’s performance will be closely watched, especially given her recent achievements and current form.
