Elena Rybakina suffers Achilles injury before US Open

Rybakina appeared to suffer an injury during her service game, stopping immediately after completing a serve and pointing toward the Achilles area

The retirement was a particularly disappointing ending for Rybakina, who entered the quarter-final with enormous stakes beyond the match itself

After Aryna Sabalenka`s shock loss to Sara Bejlek, Rybakina had a direct opportunity to move to No. 1 in the WTA rankings by reaching the Cincinnati final

Swiatek had made the stronger start before the retirement, recovering from early pressure to establish the first break and move 4-1 ahead

The Pole had also entered the match on an eight-match winning streak after her Toronto title and was looking to continue her Cincinnati title defence