Elena Rybakina Retires from Cincinnati Open Quarter-Final Due to Injury

Elena Rybakina's pursuit of the world number one ranking was cut short when she retired due to an ankle injury during her quarter-final match against Iga Swiatek at the Cincinnati Open.

Rybakina, the second seed, needed to reach the final to have a chance at overtaking Aryna Sabalenka for the top spot. However, she managed to play only five games before retiring while trailing 4-1. After calling for a medical timeout at 40-40, she consulted with the trainer but could only play one more point before withdrawing.

Rybakina expressed her disappointment, noting the pain she felt and the need for an MRI to assess the injury. Swiatek, who recently defeated Rybakina in the Canadian Open final, will advance to face Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. The US Open is set to begin on August 30, where Sabalenka is the defending champion.