Rybakina Storms Ahead Before Injury Ends Quarterfinal Clash
Elena Rybakina surged into the National Bank Open semifinals after building a dominant 6-1, 2-1 lead when Marta Kostyuk retired with an arm injury. The 54-minute match ended abruptly as a tearful Kostyuk left the court at IGA Stadium, unable to continue.
Kazakh Star Converts Pressure Into Early Advantage
Rybakina, the No. 9 seed, controlled the match from the outset. She created 10 break-point chances and converted three, dictating play with clean ball-striking and deep returns. In the third game of the second set, Elena Rybakina surged ahead, taking a dominant position after closing out the first set 6‑1.
As the score stood at 2‑1 in the second, Marta Kostyuk signaled distress and requested a medical time-out. Despite treatment, she soon acknowledged her physical limitations and retired from the match. Rybakina moved into the semifinals with a commanding 6‑1, 2‑1 scoreline.
Elena Rybakina Awaits Breakout Star Mboko or Bouzas Maneiro
Next up, Elena Rybakina will face either 18-year-old Canadian phenom Victoria Mboko or Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Mboko delivered one of the tournament’s biggest shocks on Saturday, sweeping top-seeded Coco Gauff in just 62 minutes. Now ranked No. 85 after starting the year outside the top 300, Mboko continues to turn heads during her breakout season.
The tournament final takes place Thursday, with all five top seeds already knocked out before the quarterfinals.