Iga Świątek continued her impressive run of form on Thursday, booking her spot in the Cincinnati Open semi-finals after world number two Elena Rybakina was forced to withdraw mid-match due to injury. The Pole, who hasn't lost in her last 10 matches, will next take on American Jessica Pegula for a place in the final.
2 hours Ago By Iwo Mazur
Injury Cuts Rybakina's Match Short
Rybakina's day ended early, with the Kazakh star retiring in the first set after aggravating an ankle problem, a worrying blow just weeks before she begins her US Open campaign on August 30. Świątek had already raced out to a commanding 3-0 lead before Rybakina managed to get on the scoreboard, but there was no stopping the Pole's momentum. Struggling physically, Rybakina eventually called for a medical timeout before deciding she couldn't continue.
It marked the second meeting between the two in as many weeks, following their clash in last week's Toronto final, where Świątek came out on top in straight sets to lift the Canadian Open trophy.
Speaking after the match, Świątek was quick to express concern for her opponent rather than dwell on the win. "I hope Elena will be fine, and obviously the next tournament is the priority," she said. "I know this one is important as well, but the US Open is the US Open, and I hope she'll be ready for it. I thought we were playing a good game, but health is a priority."
Pegula Battles Past Anisimova to Set Up Semi Clash
Świątek's win stretched her current unbeaten streak to 10 matches in a row, a run that shows no signs of slowing down heading into the final Grand Slam of the summer.
Meanwhile, in the day's other quarterfinal, Jessica Pegula came through a tense all-American battle against Amanda Anisimova, grinding out a 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(4) victory. That result sets up an intriguing semi-final showdown between Pegula and Świątek, as both players look to book their place in Sunday's final.
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