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Anna Kalinskaya retires mid-match at Cincinnati Open, faces criticism

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 4:08 AM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Anna Kalinskaya retires mid-match at Cincinnati Open, faces criticism

Summary

Anna Kalinskaya retired during her third-round match at the 2026 Cincinnati Open against Sorana Cîrstea. After winning the first set in a tiebreak, Kalinskaya trailed in the third set when she called for a medical timeout before retiring while down 0-5. This incident is her second mid-match retirement of the season and has drawn widespread criticism from tennis commentators and fans, who questioned her motivation and the legitimacy of her injury. Kalinskaya will now focus on recovering for the upcoming US Open, which begins on August 30. Cîrstea will advance to face Jessica Pegula in the next round.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Kalinskaya retired while trailing 6-7(4), 6-1, 5-0 against Cîrstea.
•She faced criticism for her second mid-match retirement of the season.
•Fans called the timing of her retirement 'embarrassing' and questioned its validity.
•Cîrstea will play Jessica Pegula in the fourth round of the Cincinnati Open.
•Kalinskaya aims to regain fitness ahead of the US Open starting August 30.

Latest Updates

4:08 AMYahoo Sports — Anna Kalinskaya Under Fire From Tennis World After ‘Embarrassing’ Mid-Match Retirement at Cincinnati Open

What they're saying

"
Anna Kalinskaya’s campaign at the 2026 Cincinnati Open has come to an early end, with a mid-match retirement during her third-round clash. The Russian’s decision has drawn criticism, with questions surrounding the timing of her retirement following her exit from the WTA 1000 event.
— Yahoo Sports

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