Elena Rybakina Makes It to the Brisbane International Semis After Anastasia Potapova’s Injury-Enforced Retirement

The Brisbane International kicks off the season for most tennis players, but for some, it can be challenging to return. In the heat of the tournament, Anastasia Potapova announced her retirement during her bout against Elena Rybakina. She declared her retirement from the match as soon as the first set ended, helping Rybakina move on to the next round.

Rybakina was interviewed after the match and shared that she was also facing difficulties because of the humid weather, implying that the infamous January summer of the land down under was already affecting her and the players. 

Elena Rybakina moves on after Anastasia Potapova withdraws

The first set saw Rybakina take an overwhelming advantage over her Russian opponent. The Kazakhstani player was the one who led the game and breadsticked, i.e. won by 6-1, Potapova. After the first set ended, the 22-year-old, who had been experiencing discomfort, announced that she would be retiring from the bout, possibly to salvage some energy for the Australian Open. 

The official account of Brisbane International shared the news of her retirement with a video of the bout ending. They also wished her as she packed up her bag to leave. “Unfortunately, Anastasia Potapova is forced to retire due to an injury against Elena Rybakina. Get well soon, Anastasia 🧡“.

As she was packing her things, the commentator stated that the stomach issues had become too much for her to handle. Potapova played a three-set bout against Veronika Kudermetova before Rybakina, where the first two sets went to tie-breakers. The long match and the humid weather could explain her exhaustion and subsequent withdrawal. 

Read More – Injury Woes for Emma Raducanu? Taped Thigh in Practice Raises Speculations Ahead of Australian Open

While she moved on, Rybakina announced that she was not happy with the way their match ended.

Rybakina unhappy with victory

After the bout, Rybakina gave an interview to share her thoughts on her victory. She said, “Definitely not how I wanted to win. I wish Anastasia a speedy recovery. She had a tough battle yesterday. It wasn’t easy for me also to start today. It’s quite humid. I’m happy in the end I get the chance to play another match. But not how I wanted to win.” 

While she may not be happy with her victory, Elena Rybakina will move on to the semifinals, where she will get a chance to achieve a true victory in her own way. For Potapova, it was a sad exit as the infamous Australian heat has taken its first victim. As the tournaments in the country continue, Potapova, unfortunately, won’t be the last.

Watch This Story – Roger Federer Effect Transcends Sport as Inspiring Australian Rugby League Story Proves the Tennis Legend’s Impact