Rybakina secures quarterfinal spot following Kartal retirement
Elena Rybakina benefited from the abandonment of Sonay Kartal (6-4, 4-3) on Wednesday night and will face American Jessica Pegula, the No 5 seed, in the next round
Elena Rybakina, Australian Open, 2026 | © Imago / PsNewz
Kazakh No 3 seed Elena Rybakina advanced to the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open after Englishwoman Sonay Kartal retired during their match on Wednesday night.
The world No 3 was the last player to qualify for the final eight following a day marked by multiple physical casualties in the desert. Rybakina led 6-4, 4-3 and held a 40-0 lead in the eighth game when Kartal determined she could no longer continue.
This exit represented the second retirement of the day on the women’s side following the earlier departure of Katerina Siniakova against Elina Svitolina. Rybakina appeared to be in great shape throughout the contest and maintained her composure as her opponent struggled with the physical demands of the match.
Rybakina to face Pegula in Indian Wells quarterfinals
This result sets up a quarterfinal clash against American Jessica Pegula, the No 5 seed, who reached the stage by defeating Belinda Bencic.
Rybakina enters the matchup with significant momentum after earlier victories over Marta Kostyuk, the No 28 seed (6-4, 6-4) and American Hailey Baptiste (7-6 (5), 2-6, 6-2). Kartal had enjoyed a breakthrough run by defeating the No 15 seed (2-6, 6-2, 6-3) and American Emma Navarro, the No 20 seed (6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (2)).
The statistical story of the match was cut short, yet Rybakina’s serve remained a dominant factor as she protected her lead in the opening set. Kartal had initially matched the pace of the third seed but began to show signs of distress as the second set progressed.
Although the Englishwoman attempted to fight through the discomfort, she eventually succumbed to the injury while trailing in the seventh game. The match ended officially at 6-4, 4-3 as Rybakina secured her place in the next round.
