Elena Rybakina advances to Wimbledon quarter-finals as Anna Kalinskaya retires injured

Former champion Elena Rybakina advanced to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon after opponent Anna Kalinskaya withdrew mid-match due to injury. Kalinskaya, who was watched by boyfriend and men’s world number one Jannik Sinner, struggled with injuries and took a medical time-out before conceding the match. Rybakina expressed disappointment at the abrupt end but acknowledged Kalinskaya's talent and wished her a speedy recovery. Kalinskaya, who missed last year's Wimbledon due to injury, has had a remarkable year, climbing into the top 20 after reaching two WTA Tour finals and the Australian Open quarter-finals. In another match, Jelena Ostapenko secured a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2018, defeating Yulia Putintseva. Ostapenko, a former girls' champion, will face 2021 Roland Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova in the next round. Meanwhile, Rybakina, with an impressive 90% win ratio at Wimbledon, is set to face Elina Svitolina, who aims to raise awareness about her country's situation following Russia's invasion. Svitolina's focused play and determination to highlight the ongoing crisis in Ukraine have been evident in her matches. The defeat marked the end of Danielle Collins' final Wimbledon appearance, as she plans to retire at the end of the year to start a family. Rybakina remains optimistic about her chances in the upcoming match against Svitolina, acknowledging the challenge but expressing confidence in her aggressive play and serving abilities. As the tournament progresses, the competition intensifies, with players showcasing their skills and determination on the prestigious grass courts of Wimbledon.