Rybakina withdraws from Dubai quarter-final with illness: Due to a gastrointestinal illness, world No. 4 Elena Rybakina withdrew on Thursday before her planned quarterfinal match at the WTA 1000 event in Dubai.
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In a 14-day period across three locations and 11 matches, Rybakina emerged victorious in Abu Dhabi, advanced to the final in Doha, and reached the final eight stage in Dubai.
With 17 wins and only three losses in 2024, the former Wimbledon champion leads the tour. He also won a trophy in Brisbane last month.
Italian Jasmine Paolini advances to the semi-finals of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career as a result of Rybakina’s withdrawal from the competition.
“I hope Elena recovers as fast as possible,” said the 26th-ranked Paolini.
“It’s my first semi-final in a WTA 1000. It’s hard not to be happy.
“I think it gives me some confidence, as well, because I think, okay, today she retired, but I played great three matches here with (Beatriz) Haddad Maia, (Leylah) Fernandez and (Maria) Sakkari. We know they are all strong players.”
Paolini’s next opponents for a spot in the Dubai final are Romanian Sorana Cirstea or Marketa Vondrousova, the current Wimbledon champion.
