Elena rybakina advances to quarter-finals at Indian Wells

By Rohan Mehta / 12.03.2026

Elena Rybakina advances to quarter-finals

“It’s not easy, these kind of injuries. It was a tough match anyway. I’m glad I’m through to the next one,” said Elena Rybakina after her victory over Sonay Kartal at the Indian Wells Open.

Rybakina advanced to the quarter-finals when Kartal retired while trailing 6-4, 4-3. The reigning 2026 Australian Open champion had previously secured her spot in the final eight by defeating Hailey Baptiste and Marta Kostyuk.

In her match against Kartal, Rybakina demonstrated control, surging to a double-break lead in the opening set. However, Kartal faced challenges, including multiple medical timeouts, which ultimately led to her retirement.

Rybakina’s journey in the tournament has been notable, as she is currently ranked third in the WTA rankings. Her next match will be a rematch against Jessica Pegula, whom she faced in the Australian Open semifinal.

The total prize pool for the Indian Wells Open is $9,415,725, with the champion set to earn $1,511,380 and 1,000 WTA ranking points. Rybakina’s victory over Kartal marked her entry into the final eight of the tournament, underscoring her strong performance this season.

In her previous match against Baptiste, Rybakina won with a score of 7-6, 2-6, 6-2, showcasing her resilience and ability to adapt during matches. Her victory against Kostyuk was also decisive, ending with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

As the tournament progresses, Rybakina’s focus will be on her upcoming match against Pegula, where she will aim to continue her successful run at Indian Wells.