MusaAnna Kalinskaya’s 2026 Cincinnati Open campaign ended in controversial fashion after the Russian retired while trailing Sorana Cîrstea 5-0 in the deciding set, leaving the Romanian just one game away from victory. (Yahoo Sports)
Kalinskaya had appeared to be in control early in the third-round contest, winning a fiercely contested opening set 7-6(4). But Cîrstea responded emphatically, dominating the second set 6-1 before taking complete control of the decider.
The Romanian raced into a 5-0 lead, winning 11 consecutive games across the second and third sets. With the match effectively slipping away, Kalinskaya called for a medical timeout and received treatment around her lower back and hip. (AsatuNews.co.id)
Shortly afterward, however, Kalinskaya decided she could not continue and retired from the contest. The official score was recorded as Cîrstea 6-7(4), 6-1, 5-0 Kalinskaya (ret.).
The timing of the retirement immediately became the major talking point. While medical retirements are an accepted part of professional tennis when a player is genuinely unable to continue, Kalinskaya’s decision to stop with the match only one game from completion prompted criticism from sections of the tennis community.
Some commentators questioned why she had waited until 0-5 to retire, particularly after Cîrstea had already established a commanding advantage. Tennis journalist Jose Morgado highlighted the unusual timing, while other commentators were more openly critical of Kalinskaya’s decision. (Yahoo Sports)
The controversy is also amplified by Kalinskaya’s recent history with retirements. Her Cincinnati exit represented her second mid-match retirement of the 2026 season, following her earlier retirement against Elina Svitolina in Berlin while trailing 6-1, 4-1. She also had four mid-match retirements during the 2025 season. (Pro Football & Sports Network)
Despite the drama surrounding her opponent’s exit, Cîrstea deserves credit for the turnaround. After losing a tight opening set, she completely changed the momentum of the match, overwhelming Kalinskaya in the final two sets and advancing to the next round.
For Kalinskaya, meanwhile, the Cincinnati defeat represents another frustrating chapter in a season that has included physical setbacks and inconsistent results. With the US Open beginning shortly afterward, attention will now turn to whether she can recover in time for the final Grand Slam of the season.
The circumstances of her Cincinnati retirement may continue to generate debate, but the immediate priority for Kalinskaya will be determining the seriousness of the back and hip problems that forced her to leave the match.
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