What Elena Rybakina said to the physio before retiring from her Dubai match

Elena Rybakina retired from her third-round match against Antonia Ruzic at the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships.

The Kazakh had won a topsy-turvy first set 7-5, but was pegged back in the second, 4-6, as Ruzic forced a decider.

When Ruzic broke in the first game of the third set, Rybakina called for the physio.

After a quick discussion, Rybakina retired from the match, confirming her exit from the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Rybakina told the physio she was too tired to continue

As reported on the ‘Tennis Channel’, Rybakina made it clear she was ready to stop and explained her decision.

“[I have] Nausea, I ate, but in the morning I had a heavy head, I didn’t sleep well,” she said.

The physio asked if Rybakina wanted an assessment, but she declined.

“Do you want us to do any assessment?” the physio asked. “No because I know what it is. It’s just tiredness,” replied Rybakina.

The medical team didn’t push back, recognising that Rybakina was done for the day. “That’s absolutely fine,” responded the physio.

Rybakina then stood up from her bench and shook hands with Antonia Ruzic, who moves on to play in her first career WTA 1000 quarterfinal against Jasmine Paolini.

Antonia Ruzic wishes Elena Rybakina well after Dubai retirement

Ruzic, who advanced to the quarterfinals, took a moment to offer well wishes to Rybakina following their match.

“First of all, I hope Elena [Rybakina] gets well soon,” she said.

“Not the way I wanted to win this match today.”

“Of course, I’m seeing her more in the future.”

Looking ahead to her next match, she reflected on the opportunity that had come her way.

“First time as a lucky loser, you’ve got to take your second chance,” said Ruzic.

“I’m here taking it, I’m going to the quarters. I’m happy with how I played today.”

“Going into this match, I knew that I had nothing to lose. Of course, I wanted to show you guys the best tennis I can play.”

“Just that I can enjoy on the court and I did. So thank you for your support today.”

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