Victoria AZARENKA retires injured as Elena RYBAKINA moves through in Dubai

Tuesday, 20 February 2024 at 14:17

After such a successful week on Doha, there was heartbreak for Victoria Azarenka as the former World No.1 had to retire after the match with Elena Rybakina was finely poised at 1-1 in sets.

Azarenka looked good as she went 6-4 up on the Abu Dhabi champion and Doha finalist who for match wins has won more than anyone else this season only ahead of Jelena Ostapenko.

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But the Belarusian decided to call it a day ahead of the third. She did not face any break points early on until the second set when Rybakina started to overwhelm her. She broke her once and then again once more as despite Rybakina having issues with her own serve, she managed to pick her moments against Azarenka who was slowly fading away.

Then as a final set was set to emerge, fans were left disappointed that the conclusion of this highly anticipated matchup couldn’t take place. Azarenka will hope it’s merely precaution but given that she pulled up ahead of a deciding set instead of while being well beaten could tell a story. All eyes will be on her road towards Indian Wells while Rybakina will move on.

Unlike Aryna Sabalenka of course who was dumped out earlier today and Iga Swiatek who beat Rybakina in Doha is set to come this afternoon. For the Kazakh though it is yet another win and despite not being in the circumstances she will have hoped, it’s another notch on her 2024 tally.

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Get well soon, @vika7 🤕 Elena Rybakina advances to the Round of 16 in Dubai as Azarenka is forced to retire through injury. #DDFTennis

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12:47 PM · Feb 20, 2024

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