Swiatek Advances to Cincinnati Semifinals After Rybakina’s Injury

CINCINNATI, Ohio—Iga Swiatek advanced to the semifinals of the Cincinnati Masters after Elena Rybakina retired with a heel injury during their quarter‑final match on Thursday.

The Kazakh, world number two, was forced to withdraw less than half an hour into Offensive play, raising concerns about her fitness just ten days before the U.S. Open.

Trailing 4–1 in the opening set, Rybakina abruptly paused at 40–all, retreated to the bench, and consulted her trainer. She returned for one more point before retiring.

“I was anxious watching the whole situation,” Swiatek said. “I hope she will be fine. Health is always the priority.”

Swiatek added, “This is a significant tournament, but the U.S. Open is the U.S. Open. I hope als is ready for that.”

She added that it was unfortunate the match was cut short and that they had been playing well together. Had Rybakina reached the final, she would have tipped the rankings to world number one for the first time, following Aryna Sabalenka’s shock exit.

Swiatek, who bolstered her confidence in recent weeks—including a victory over Rybakina in Toronto—expressed readiness to play her best tennis.

‘Good record’

Poland’s Swiatek now faces semifinal opponent Jessica Pegula, who reportedly has a minor hip discomfort after a 6–2, 4–6, 7–6 (7–4) win over Amanda Anisimova. Pegula, 32, continues to set WTA milestones, joining a small group of players over 30 who have reached five or more Masters 1000 quarter‑finals.

Anisimova seized five of her break opportunities against Pegula, breaking her three times in the second set, before Pegula rallied to win. Pegula captured the opening set in 34 minutes, but Anisimova rallied in the second set for a 4–0 double break. The third set found both players breaking twice before Pegula prevailed in the tie‑breaker, securing her sixth consecutive win over Anisimova.

“I know I have a good record against her, but every match feels like today,” Pegula said.

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