Wimbledon star 'feeling numb' after sudden retirement and set for doctor's visit
It was a difficult day on Centre Court for one Wimbledon star.
Anna Kalinskaya admitted that she was "feeling a little bit numb" after retiring in her Wimbledon fourth-round clash with 2022 champion Elena Rybakina due to injury.
The 17th seed was down 3-6 0-3 to Rybakina and called for the physio for the second time in the match, receiving treatment on her wrist before she was forced to call an early end to proceedings.
Her boyfriend Jannik Sinner watched on from the players' box in understandable worry, with Kalinskaya unable to continue playing after reaching the second week of SW19 for the first time in her career.
Related articles
And speaking in her post-match press conference, the Russian star admitted to feeling numb and confirmed that she will visit the doctor for a diagnosis of her injury.
"I started to feel my wrist in the fourth game of the match," she explained. "I don't know (the severity) yet. I haven't seen doctor, so I can't say much about what's going on with my wrist.
"It was affecting a lot my serve and the first ball after the serve. I was feeling a little bit numb after. So, yeah, it was affecting me quite a lot. I thought it would go away, but it didn't. I decided to stop because I was not feeling any better.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"It's very frustrating, very sad. It's probably my favourite tournament. But I'm a human and I can't fully control my body. I have to accept it and just find out what's going on right now, recover, and prevent it in the future. I never had this problem before. I had different types of injuries. So this is something new.
"I never had this problem before. I had different types of injuries. So this is something new."
Kalinskaya also had her neck and arm checked while her wrist was being worked on in the second set, despite the 25-year-old focusing on the latter issue after the match.
Her retirement allowed Rybakina, the only previous champion left in the draw, to advance to the quarter-finals where she will meet Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina.
"Definitely not the way I wanted to finish the match," Rybakina said as she wished the best for Kalinskaya. "She’s a great player and I know she was suffering with a couple of injuries. If it’s the wrist it’s difficult to continue to play and I just wish her a speedy recovery."