Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Rybakina’s Ankle Injury Sends Swiatek Into Cincinnati Semifinals
Elena Rybakina had to stop playing because she hurt her left ankle.
Iga Swiatek was winning 4-1 when the injury became serious.
Rybakina said it hurt to walk and serve.
She will have an MRI to learn more about the problem.
The ankle had bothered her before the match.
Rybakina had played several matches recently in Canada and Cincinnati.
She needed to reach the final to have a chance to become the top-ranked player.
Because she retired, Aryna Sabalenka will remain No.
1 before the US Open.
Swiatek will now play Jessica Pegula in the semifinal.
Elena Rybakina retired from her Cincinnati Open quarterfinal against Iga Swiatek because of a left ankle injury.
Swiatek was leading 4-1 when Rybakina struggled to push off on her serve and received a medical evaluation.
Rybakina said the ankle had been bothering her and that walking was painful after the match.
Rybakina needed to reach the Cincinnati final to challenge Aryna Sabalenka for the world No. 1 ranking.
Swiatek will play Jessica Pegula in the semifinals and is seeking to defend her Cincinnati title.
- Who
- Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jessica Pegula.
- What
- Rybakina retired from her Cincinnati Open quarterfinal because of a left ankle injury, allowing Swiatek to reach the semifinals.
- When
- During the Cincinnati Open, ahead of the US Open the following week.
- Where
- Cincinnati.
- Why
- Rybakina made a wrong movement or landing while playing, aggravating an ankle problem that had already been bothering her.
- Match
- Iga Swiatek was leading Elena Rybakina 4-1 when Rybakina retired.
- Injury
- Rybakina retired because of a left ankle injury.
- Ranking impact
- Aryna Sabalenka will retain the WTA world No. 1 ranking going into the US Open.
- Rybakina’s ranking path
- Rybakina needed to reach the Cincinnati final to challenge Sabalenka for No. 1.
- Semifinal
- Swiatek will face Jessica Pegula.
- Title defense
- Swiatek is attempting to become the second woman since 2004 to successfully defend the Cincinnati title.
- Medical follow-up
- Rybakina said she would have an MRI to learn more about the injury.