By Afiur
August 21, 2026
Rybakina appeared to suffer an injury during her service game, stopping immediately after completing a serve and pointing toward the Achilles area.
The retirement was a particularly disappointing ending for Rybakina, who entered the quarter-final with enormous stakes beyond the match itself.
After Aryna Sabalenka`s shock loss to Sara Bejlek, Rybakina had a direct opportunity to move to No. 1 in the WTA rankings by reaching the Cincinnati final.
Swiatek had made the stronger start before the retirement, recovering from early pressure to establish the first break and move 4-1 ahead.
The Pole had also entered the match on an eight-match winning streak after her Toronto title and was looking to continue her Cincinnati title defence.