Elena Rybakina retires in Cincinnati quarter-final, misses chance at world No.1

Elena Rybakina was forced to retire from her Cincinnati Open quarter-final against Iga Swiatek, just days before the US Open, ending her bid to overtake Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the WTA rankings.

Rybakina had arrived in Cincinnati positioned to challenge Sabalenka for the world No.1 spot after steadily closing the gap over the summer; Sabalenka’s surprise fourth-round loss to unseeded 20-year-old Sara Bejlek, 7-6(7), 6-4, left the Kazakh player needing two more wins in Cincinnati to move to the summit. Her Australian Open victory over Sabalenka in January was cited in the buildup to Cincinnati as a significant factor in her rise, and she entered the tournament ranked No.2.

The quarter-final against Swiatek ended abruptly. Trailing 1-4 and serving at 40-40, the 27-year-old stopped mid-service, received treatment around her left ankle and retired moments later after just 31 minutes on court.

There were immediate fears the problem might involve her Achilles, although reports and the WTA described it as a left ankle injury.

Swiatek, who advanced to the semi-finals, said: "I was feeling anxious just looking at this situation. I hope Elena will be fine. The next tournament is the priority. I know this one is important as well. But the US Open is the US Open. I hope she’s gonna be ready for that. She’s super close to being No.1 in the world. It’s a shame. I thought we were playing a good match. But health is a priority. I hope she’s gonna be okay," and admitted she had been worried by what she saw.

A post from The Tennis Letter on social media read: "Elena Rybakina retires from her match against Iga Swiatek in Cincinnati.Wow this is heartbreaking.Hoping it’s not an Achilles injury ahead of the U.S. Open.She was two wins away from the #1 ranking.Hopefully she’ll be okay and recover quickly. pic.twitter.com/P6QkNqlDBN— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 20, 2026"

With the US Open beginning in New York on August 30, Rybakina’s fitness for the final Grand Slam of the season is uncertain and Aryna Sabalenka will retain the world No.1 ranking heading into the tournament.