Anastasia Potapova has become the latest top-30 WTA player to call time on her 2026 season, taking the number of players from that group already ruled out for the rest of the year to five. The 25-year-old was forced to retire during her China Open first-round match against Sinja Kraus, with physical problems ending her tournament after just five games.
Potapova was trailing her compatriot 4-1 when she was unable to continue, sending Kraus through to the round of 32. The retirement brought an early end to one of the best seasons of Potapova's career, which had seen her make significant progress across all three levels of the WTA calendar.
The Austrian reached the fourth round at both Roland Garros and the US Open, while she also produced the best WTA 1000 run of her career by reaching the semi-finals in Madrid. She added another major milestone in Linz, reaching her first WTA 500 final before losing to Mirra Andreeva.
Potapova finishes 2026 with a 30-20 record and approximately $1.9 million in prize money earned during the season. She climbed as high as No. 25 in the WTA rankings and currently remains inside the top 30, although her absence over the final weeks could cost her some positions.
Potapova becomes the latest top-30 star to step away
Potapova confirmed the decision shortly after her China Open retirement, making clear that the physical warning signs had become impossible to ignore.
“My season has come to an end. Unfortunately, lately my body has been giving me more and more signs that it’s time to stop. For me, that’s the clearest sign that I need to take a break, give my body the time it needs to recover, and come back stronger,” Potapova wrote.
The Austrian ended her message with a clear focus on the next season: “See you in 2027!”
Anastasia Potapova after beating Elena Rybakina to reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open
Her decision means Potapova joins a growing group of notable WTA names who will not compete again this year. Victoria Mboko, currently ranked No. 14, was among the first major casualties after a grass-court injury forced her to miss Queen's and Wimbledon. The Canadian subsequently withdrew from the entire North American swing before ending her season.
Amanda Anisimova, currently No. 16, is another major absence. The defending China Open champion opted to skip the Asian swing because of physical issues, bringing her 2026 campaign to an early close.
Madison Keys and Emma Navarro, ranked No. 22 and No. 26 respectively, have also ended their seasons. Both Americans have chosen to step away from the final part of a demanding calendar and focus on recovering ahead of 2027.
A growing list ahead of the 2027 season
The number of absences becomes even more notable when players just outside the top 30 are considered. Hailey Baptiste, currently No. 44, former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova at No. 48 and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu are also among the established names who have already brought their seasons to an end.
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For Potapova, however, the timing should allow her to begin the offseason with her ranking position still strong enough to put her in contention for a seeded place at the Australian Open. If she remains inside the top 32 when the 2027 Grand Slam begins, she should enter Melbourne among the seeded players.
Her 2026 season ultimately ends with a 30-20 record, a first WTA 500 final, a WTA 1000 semi-final and two Grand Slam fourth-round appearances. With five current top-30 players already finished for 2026, the final weeks of the WTA calendar will be played without several of the tour's most recognizable names.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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