Swiatek advances to Cincinnati semis as Rybakina withdraws with injury

Elena Rybakina's decision to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals has cast a shadow over her US Open preparations, with the world number two dealing with an unspecified injury at the crucial stage of the tennis calendar.

Rybakina's absence allowed Poland's Iga Swiatek to progress to the semifinals without taking court, marking an unexpected turn in the tournament just one week before the year's final Grand Slam begins in New York.

The timing of Rybakina's withdrawal is particularly significant given her ranking and expectations heading into the US Open. The Kazakhstan player's fitness status will be closely monitored by her team and observers ahead of her participation in the major tournament.

Swiatek, currently ranked among the world's elite, will face her semifinal opponent following the withdrawal. The development represents another reminder of how injuries can reshape tournament dynamics during the demanding late summer tennis season.