The short version
- Elena Rybakina retired from her match against Iga Swiatek due to a left ankle injury, ending her bid to reach world number one.
- Swiatek moves on to face Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals, aiming to defend her title at the Cincinnati Open.
- Flavio Cobolli defeated Tommy Paul in three sets, while Arthur Fils advanced past Thiago Agustin Tirante to set up a French semifinal clash.
Elena Rybakina’s campaign at the Cincinnati Open concluded prematurely on Thursday when she withdrew from her quarter-final match against Iga Swiatek. The Kazakh player, who holds the number two ranking globally, was trailing 4-1 in the first set before calling for a medical timeout. After consulting with tournament officials and trainers, she attempted to continue but managed only one additional point before retiring. The injury involved her left ankle, a problem Rybakina indicated had been present for some time, though she believed it was manageable prior to the match.
The withdrawal carries significant implications for the women’s singles rankings. Rybakina entered the tournament with a clear path to dethrone Aryna Sabalenka as the world number one. That opportunity hinged on Sabalenka’s earlier exit from the event, where she suffered an unexpected defeat in the fourth round against Sara Bejlek. Had Rybakina reached the final, the points gained would have been sufficient to overtake the Belarusian champion. Instead, her early departure leaves Sabalenka firmly at the top of the rankings heading into the next major tournament.
Rybakina described the moment of injury as a result of a single misstep during a landing. She noted that the pain was severe enough to impede her ability to serve effectively and even walk comfortably after the match. Medical imaging, specifically an MRI, is scheduled for the following day to determine the extent of the damage. While the immediate focus remains on recovery, the timing presents a challenge as the US Open approaches in less than two weeks.
Iga Swiatek advances to the semi-finals without completing the match. The Polish star, who defeated Rybakina in the Canadian Open final just one week prior, expressed concern for her opponent’s well-being. Swiatek acknowledged the importance of health over competition, noting that while the Cincinnati title is significant, the upcoming US Open takes precedence. She will now face American Jessica Pegula in the next round, aiming to become only the second woman since 2004 to successfully defend a title at this event.
In the men’s draw, Flavio Cobolli secured his place in the semi-finals with a comeback victory over home favorite Tommy Paul. The Italian player faced difficulties maintaining energy levels during the second set, despite holding a commanding lead. During a changeover, he requested a supply of M&M’s, citing a need for sugar and energy to sustain his performance. The snack appeared to provide the necessary boost, allowing him to close out the set and break serve in the deciding third set to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Cobolli, who reached the French Open final earlier this year, expressed satisfaction with his ability to manage his physical state during the match. He highlighted the psychological benefit of enjoying chocolate during play, noting that it helped maintain his happiness and focus under pressure. This victory marks his first appearance in a Masters 1000 semi-final, showcasing his growing resilience on the tour.
Arthur Fils also advanced to the men’s semi-finals with a dominant performance against Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante. The French player completed the match in just 64 minutes, demonstrating high efficiency and control. Notably, Fils did not face a single break point throughout the encounter, underscoring his strong serving and baseline play. This result marks a significant milestone for French tennis.
Fils becomes the first French player to reach three Masters 1000 semi-finals in a single season since Guy Forget achieved the feat in 1991. His return to competitive form follows an eight-month injury lay-off that kept him off the tour until February. The upcoming semi-final against Cobolli will test his endurance and tactical adaptability as he seeks to extend his impressive run at the Cincinnati Open.
The tournament continues with the semi-finals, setting the stage for the final weekend of competition before the players shift their focus to New York. For Rybakina, the immediate priority is diagnosis and recovery, with her US Open participation remaining uncertain pending medical results. The rankings battle remains static for now, but the dynamic could shift dramatically depending on outcomes in the upcoming Grand Slam.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Rybakina retires injured in quarter-final against Swiatek
