Swiatek reaches Cincinnati semifinals as Rybakina succumbs to left ankle injury

World No. 2 Elena Rybakina was forced to retire from her Cincinnati Open quarterfinal match against Iga Swiatek on Thursday, August 20, 2026, due to a left ankle injury. As a result of the retirement, Swiatek advanced to the semifinals of the tournament. Rybakina's early exit also ended her immediate opportunity to overtake Aryna Sabalenka at the top of the PIF WTA Rankings.