In a series of unfortunate events, top-10 players Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur have been forced to retire from the Berlin Open due to injury and illness, joining the previously withdrawn Wimbledon champions Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova.

Sabalenka, who was trailing 5-1 in the opening set of her quarterfinal match against Russia's Anna Kalinskaya, was compelled to retire due to shoulder pain. This marked the first time in her WTA Tour career that Sabalenka had to withdraw from a match because of an injury. Kalinskaya, benefiting from a second walkover in the tournament, advanced to the semifinals after Vondrousova slipped and fell during their last-16 match.

Meanwhile, Jabeur's quarterfinal clash with Coco Gauff turned into a grueling affair lasting 72 minutes. Gauff eventually clinched the opening set 7-6(9), but it was Jabeur's retirement due to illness that cut short the match. Prior to her decision, Jabeur was seen getting her temperature checked. Gauff expressed mixed feelings about her victory, acknowledging the great first set they had and wishing Jabeur a swift recovery. She remained optimistic about Jabeur's prospects at Wimbledon, believing she would bounce back stronger.

However, these withdrawals were not limited to the women's side. On Friday, Rybakina withdrew from the tournament due to illness, granting Belarusian Victoria Azarenka a place in the semifinals. Rybakina's struggle with abdominal pains was evident, leading to her decision to withdraw from the competition.

The Berlin Open has been marred by these unfortunate exits, as some of the top contenders have been forced to bow out due to injury or illness. With Wimbledon just around the corner, these players will undoubtedly be hoping for a swift recovery in order to perform at their best on the grass courts. The remaining competitors must now navigate the challenges posed by a depleted field as they strive for victory in the tournament.