Iga Swiatek Elena Rybakina WTA WTA Cincinnati 2026

Swiatek continues to add wins... this time due to Rybakina's withdrawal, which is concerning: Achilles injury?

Carlos Navarro - 21 Aug 2026
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Swiatek overcomes a Rybakina who is concerning due to her injury.

We were eagerly anticipating a rematch as exciting as the one promised by Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals of the WTA Cincinnati 2026. After a somewhat lackluster final in Canada, with the Kazakh feeling the physical strain after several tough matches (which ended in the early hours of the morning), the opportunity for revenge was there, adding some spice to an already spectacular duel... but unfortunately, we were left hanging: Rybakina retired at 1-4 down in the first set, ending the match in just 28 minutes.

Swiatek started like a rocket, imposing that tremendous leg activity that seems to be leading Elena down a path of bitterness lately. However, something negative was brewing on the other side of the net: the Kazakh had entered the court with little confidence in her physical condition, but everything escalated in the sixth game, where she felt a significant discomfort during one of her serves. She tried, but was unable to regain her mobility, unable to push off to serve despite the doctor's visit during the match... and the match ended abruptly just minutes later.

Could Rybakina be struggling with an Achilles injury?

After identifying the area where the physio massaged Rybakina, many comments on social media suggest a possible Achilles injury, which would undoubtedly hinder her chances of competing at 100% in the US Open. The specifics of the injury have not been disclosed yet, but even Iga expressed her concern in her post-match speech:

"I was feeling anxiety just watching this whole situation. I hope Elena is well; the next tournament is the priority. I know this one is important too, but the US Open is the US Open. She was so close to being #1 in the world; it’s a shame. Health is the most important thing," noted a very empathetic Iga, who additionally has allowed Aryna Sabalenka to remain at the top of the world rankings for another week. Will the Kazakh make it in time for the last Slam of the year?

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Swiatek sigue sumando... esta vez por retirada de una Rybakina que preocupa: ¿lesión en el Aquiles?