Sonny Kartal, ranked 54, retired from her fourth-round clash with Elena Rybakina due to a lower back injury, ending her bid to become the first British woman to reach the Indian Wells quarterfinals twice. After losing the first set 6-3, Kartal struggled with pain during the second set, trailing 4-3 when she withdrew. "It was one match too many," the 24-year-old told BBC Sport, acknowledging she had managed the injury throughout the tournament but could no longer push through. Her coach confirmed physio treatment between sets, but the escalating discomfort forced her hand.

Kartal praised Rybakina’s dominance, noting she was "far from her best" but kept the match competitive despite the setback.