Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur retire in Berlin

BERLIN – In an unexpected turn of events, Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur both retired from their respective quarter-finals in Berlin on June 22, with the WTA 500 tournament hit by its fourth high-profile withdrawal.

Sabalenka’s preparations for Wimbledon in July suffered a blow, when the Belarusian could not continue in her clash against Anna Kalinskaya due to a shoulder injury.

Russia’s Kalinskaya, ranked No. 24 in the world, was leading 5-1 when her world No. 3 opponent pulled out at the Rot-Weiss Tennis Club after treatment failed to alleviate the issue.

Sabalenka had to call the physio midway through the first set and was seen wincing in pain.

Knowing that it was the end of the day for her, she then walked to the net to hand Kalinskaya the win.

Shortly after that, Tunisia’s 10th-ranked Jabeur also retired after losing the first set to American world No. 2 Coco Gauff 7-6 (11-9). The WTA Tour posted on X that it was a case of illness.

“It doesn’t feel like a win,” said Gauff. “Especially because we had such a great first set. I wish Ons the best.

“I think it’s something that’s just gonna happen today and she’ll feel better tomorrow.

“I think she’ll be strong at Wimbledon.”

The retirements of Sabalenka and Jabeur came a day after Elena Rybakina pulled out while trailing Victoria Azarenka, also in the quarter-finals in Berlin.

Rybakina was 3-1 down and visibly struggling in the first set, before she sat down on her bench and dashed off the court afterwards. The WTA later said the Kazakh could not continue because of abdominal pain.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion withdrew from Rome in May as well, citing illness before the last eight.

Another former Wimbledon winner, Marketa Vondrousova, also retired injured in Berlin on June 20 against Kalinskaya.

In other injury news, Andy Murray has undergone a back procedure after

being forced to retire from his second-round match at the Queen’s Club Championships.

The three-time Grand Slam champion had to withdraw from the tournament in London after trailing 4-1 in the opening set against Australian Jordan Thompson on June 19.

Murray, a two-time Olympic gold medallist, said in February that he was unlikely to continue playing next season and faces a race against time to be fit for Wimbledon.

The 37-year-old – who plays with a metal hip and also underwent minor back surgery in 2013 – has previously stated it would be a fitting end to his career if he bowed out at Wimbledon or the Paris Olympics.

Wimbledon, where he is a two-time champion, runs from July 1 to 14, with the tennis competition at the Games in France beginning on July 27. REUTERS, AFP