RYBAKINA RETIRES FROM CINCINNATI OPEN QUARTER-FINAL WITH LEG INJURY

Elena Rybakina retired midway through the first set of her quarter-final match against Iga Swiatek at the Cincinnati Open due to a lower-leg injury. Rybakina, ranked World No. 2, had entered the court with strapping on her left leg in the Achilles area and received medical treatment during the match before withdrawing. The retirement ended Rybakina's hopes of reaching the World No. 1 ranking, which required two further victories in the tournament. Swiatek advanced to the semi-finals as a result.

Rybakina stated after the match that she had carried the injury into the contest but believed she had it under control. She described the pain as severe, saying it was painful to walk and that she was unable to put weight on her left leg during play. The player explained that the injury worsened after "one wrong movement" during Thursday's match, though it had felt manageable beforehand. An MRI was scheduled to provide further assessment of the condition.

Swiatek expressed concern for her opponent, describing feeling scared upon witnessing the severity of Rybakina's injury and saying she felt sorry for the withdrawal. The Polish player walked over to check on Rybakina once the match ended and later wished her a full recovery ahead of the forthcoming US Open. Swiatek stated she hoped Rybakina would be fit to compete in New York.