Rybakina retires injured in Cincinnati Open

Elena Rybakina retired from her Cincinnati Open quarterfinal match against Iga Swiatek on Thursday, August 20, 2026, due to a lower-leg injury, casting doubt on her participation in the upcoming US Open. The world No. 2 was trailing 4-1 in the first set when she called for a medical timeout and subsequently withdrew from the match.

Rybakina, who entered the court with strapping on her left leg, was in contention to claim the world No. 1 ranking for the first time. With top seed Aryna Sabalenka having been eliminated earlier in the tournament, Rybakina needed to reach the Cincinnati final to ascend to the top spot. The retirement abruptly ended her bid and leaves her facing a race to recover in time for the final Grand Slam of the year, which begins on August 30.

"It's painful to walk. We'll know more tomorrow when we have the MRI," Rybakina said after the match. "It's been bothering me for a long period of time, but I felt like I had it under control. It was feeling OK before Thursday's match. Unfortunately, one wrong movement and something happened."

Swiatek, the defending Cincinnati champion and world No. 1, advanced to the semifinals where she will face American Jessica...