Story perspectives

Rybakina Withdraws vs Swiatek With Left Ankle Injury

8/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Elena Rybakina retired from the Cincinnati Open quarterfinal against Iga Swiatek because of a left ankle injury.
She called a medical timeout while trailing 1-4 in the first set and then withdrew.
The retirement left Rybakina with 8,141 points, 434 behind world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who leads with 8,575 points.
Iga Swiatek advanced to the semifinals and will meet world No. 3 Jessica Pegula on Saturday.

History

Historical Context

Serena Williams’ left-foot injury forced her to withdraw from the 2017 Australian Open before the first round, stripping her of 2,000 ranking points and opening the No. 1 spot for Angelique Kerber, who entered the week with 7,800 points. Similar mid-tournament exits—such as Elena Rybakina’s Cincinnati retirement handing Iga Swiatek 8,141 points—illustrate how injuries have repeatedly reshaped the WTA hierarchy since the 2017 season’s early upsets.

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Story summary

Elena Rybakina retired from the Cincinnati Open quarterfinal against Iga Swiatek because of a left ankle injury.
She called a medical timeout while trailing 1-4 in the first set and then withdrew.
The retirement left Rybakina with 8,141 points, 434 behind world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who leads with 8,575 points.
Iga Swiatek advanced to the semifinals and will meet world No. 3 Jessica Pegula on Saturday.

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