Elena Rybakina solidified her status as the new favorite for the Wimbledon title with a commanding performance against Anna Kalinskaya under the Centre Court roof. Leading 6-3, 3-0, Rybakina advanced to the quarter-finals after Kalinskaya retired due to a wrist injury.
Kalinskaya, the 17th seed, took a medical timeout midway through the first set but was unable to continue, leaving the court in tears. Despite being broken in the first game and trailing 3-1, Rybakina, the 2022 champion, won five consecutive games to take the first set and quickly established dominance in the second.
The Russian-born Kazakh player, now the highest seed left in the women’s draw, will face either Elina Svitolina or Wang Xinyu in the next round. With several top contenders eliminated over the weekend, Rybakina remains the only former Wimbledon champion in the women’s competition.
Rybakina’s path to the quarter-finals showcased her resilience and skill. After overcoming an early deficit, she secured two breaks to love to capture the first set and continued her strong play in the second. Kalinskaya’s decision to retire underscored the physical toll of the match and Rybakina’s relentless pressure.
