MATCH REPORT | 2024 Brisbane International: Elena RYBAKINA reaches semifinals with Anastasia POTAPOVA retiring in the midst of their clash

Elena Rybakina advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 500 Brisbane International after overcoming Anastasia Potapova 6-1 and the Russian retiring. The World No. 4 progressed to the semifinals with three victories, all completed in less than two and a half hours on the court during the tournament.

The Kazakh player began the year with a strong start, securing convincing wins over 21-year-old Olivia Gadecki (No. 124) by 6-4, 6-1, and the 13th seed Elise Mertens (No. 29) by 6-1, 6-0. Potapova, her opponent, had endured two lengthy battles against Daria Saville (No. 209) by 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, and the 6th seed Veronika Kudermetova (No. 16) by 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-4.

In the early stages of the match, the contest appeared even, with both players showcasing solid serves in the initial games. Nevertheless, Rybakina applied pressure on her opponent's second serve in the fourth game, securing a crucial break for a 3-1 lead. Despite Potapova having three break points in her favor, Rybakina won five consecutive points to claim the game. World No. 28 experienced back discomfort in the fifth game of the first set and requested a medical timeout, where she received attention before returning to the court.

Potapova returned with the score at 1-4 and with the serve in her favor. It became evident from the first point that she was not in optimal physical condition. The Russian struggled to move well on the court and quickly lost her service game. Rybakina, undeterred by her opponent's condition, maintained focus and secured the set with her service game.

Immediately after, Potapova signaled to the umpire and retired from the match, prompting applause from the audience. It remains uncertain whether it is a minor injury or if her participation in the Australian Open is in doubt, where she holds a place in the main draw as the 28th seed.

Throughout the 30-minute match, Rybakina demonstrated good mobility at the baseline and, as is customary, was dominant from the service line. The 2022 Wimbledon champion achieved a 68% first serve accuracy, winning 76% of those points, although she was less effective with the second serve, winning 50% of those points.

In the semifinals, Rybakina will face the winner of the matchup between teenagers, the 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva (No. 56), and the 19-year-old Czech player Linda Noskova (No. 40).