Worrying Scene As Elena Rybakina Injures Herself, Retires Hurt Against Iga Świątek After Just 5 Games at Cincinnati Open

Elena Rybakina has raised a major concern ahead of the 2026 US Open after retiring with an injury against Iga Świątek in the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals on Thursday, August 20. The World No. 2 was chasing her third WTA 1000 title at the tournament and also had an opportunity to claim the World No. 1 ranking for the first time in her career.

Elena Rybakina Ends Cincinnati Open Run With an Injury

Rybakina and Świątek renewed their rivalry exactly a week after their previous meeting in the final of the Canadian Open in Toronto, where the latter dished out a clinical performance to clinch the title with a 6-2, 6-3 score.

Rybakina hoped for better fortunes in Cincinnati, and unlike her three-set marathons in Canada, she began her campaign in the USA with three straight-set wins against Taylor Townsend, Magdalena Fręch, and Diana Shnaider. With defending champion Świątek seeded seventh, the pair set up a quarterfinal clash this time.

The match began with Rybakina earning a break-point opportunity, but she was unable to convert it. Within minutes, Świątek seized control, breaking the World No. 2’s opening service game to race to a 3-0 lead.

With Rybakina serving at 1-4 and holding a 40-15 lead, she went for a jumping backhand before her half-volley drop shot landed in the net. She immediately appeared to feel discomfort in her left foot, which was already heavily strapped around the heel. After losing the next point and being taken to deuce, Rybakina promptly returned to her bench and called for urgent assistance from the physio.

After a lengthy discussion, the medical staff decided against a medical timeout, leaving the decision to continue or retire entirely in the hands of the 27-year-old. The player tried one more serve, but her movement was visibly compromised, and she returned to the net, shaking her head before a concluding handshake with her opponent on the 30-minute mark.

Noticing her rival’s discomfort, Iga Świątek approached her bench to check on her. After a brief chat, a disheartened Rybakina waved goodbye to the Cincinnati Open crowd.

The two-time Grand Slam champion was in contention for a World No. 1 breakthrough at the tournament after Aryna Sabalenka’s departure in the fourth round. She stood just two victories away from becoming the new World No. 1, with a place in the final required to seal the feat.

MORE: ‘Asking Me All the Time’ – Elena Rybakina Pushes Back on World No. 1 Talk As She Nears Aryna Sabalenka

With her abrupt exit at the Cincinnati Open following what appeared to be an Achilles injury, Elena Rybakina has cast doubt on her US Open status. Despite her setback, she would enter the final Grand Slam of the year placed in a favorable position in the live rankings, given Sabalenka drops 2,000 points as the defending champion in New York.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.