WTA Dubai 2026: Antonia Ruzic Reaches Quarterfinals After Elena Rybakina Retirement

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Antonia Ruzic moved into the quarter-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships after Elena Rybakina retired during their deciding set. The Australian Open champion had entered Dubai as the clear favourite for the title. Rybakina’s withdrawal not only advanced lucky loser Ruzic. It also opened the draw for several WTA-1000 contenders chasing a rare opportunity.

The top seed’s retirement was a notable moment for the tournament. It marked the first time a number one seed had pulled out mid-match in Dubai since the event began in 2001. It was also Rybakina’s first retirement as the leading seed at any event since Singapore 2025.

Rybakina started strongly against Ruzic and took a tight first set 7-5. Ruzic replied with a composed second set, breaking at key moments to claim it 6-4 and force a decider. After Ruzic broke serve in the opening game of the third, Rybakina called for the physio.

During the stoppage, Rybakina reported nausea and heavy fatigue to the medical staff. The 2024 Australian Open champion then chose to retire from the match. That decision handed Ruzic a place in the last eight. It also ended Rybakina’s campaign earlier than expected for a player in such strong form.

Earlier, Amanda Anisimova delivered a one-sided performance against wildcard Janice Tjen. Anisimova won 6-1 6-3 in a little over an hour. That result set up a quarter-final in Doha against defending champion Mirra Andreeva. Anisimova had lost early in her previous Qatar Open title defence, so this win steadied confidence.

Andreeva began the defence of the Doha trophy with a straight-sets victory over Jaqueline Cristian. The 7-5 6-3 scoreline reflected steady control in key games. That win pushed Andreeva to 40 or more Tier I / WTA-1000 victories before turning 19. Andreeva became the fifth player to reach that specific mark since 1990.

Dubai Tennis Championships quarter-finals and WTA-1000 milestones

In another all-American meeting, Jessica Pegula defeated Iva Jovic 6-4 6-2. The fourth seed now prepares to meet Clara Tauson in the quarter-finals. The result kept Pegula on course for another deep WTA-1000 run. Tauson’s power and aggressive returns are likely to provide a different style test for Pegula.

Rybakina’s retirement also had broader tour context. It was the first time a top seed had retired at a WTA-1000 event since Iga Swiatek in Rome three years ago. At the same time, Andreeva’s Doha progress took the teenager to eight WTA-1000 quarter-finals before 19, matching Coco Gauff’s record.

Anisimova reached her sixth career WTA-1000 quarter-final with this latest win. Each of those six last-eight appearances has come in a different city. The American is the first player to achieve that pattern since Coco Gauff did so in 2022. With Rybakina out, several names now see the Dubai Tennis Championships as a realistic WTA-1000 chance.

The day’s results shifted the picture across both Dubai and Doha. Rybakina’s withdrawal created space for Ruzic and other contenders. At the same time, Andreeva, Anisimova and Pegula all strengthened their WTA-1000 records. The quarter-finals at these events now feature a wider group with genuine ambitions.