Iga Swiatek qualified for the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters 1000 after Elena Rybakina retired from the match in the first set while trailing 4-1. Rybakina felt discomfort in her left leg during an exchange of shots in the sixth game and did not continue competing.
The Kazakhstani's withdrawal means she will not be able to reach world number 1, an objective that would have required reaching the tournament final. With Swiatek's qualification, Aryna Sabalenka will maintain her position as world number 1 at least until the US Open, which begins in four days.
Swiatek dominated the match from the start, saving a break point in the first game and breaking her opponent's serve at the first opportunity. The Polish player's footwork was decisive in the early stages of the match.
With this victory, Swiatek reached 24 appearances in Masters 1000 semi-finals, positioning herself as the third player with the most participations in these stages, behind Serena Williams with 26 and Simona Halep with 29, according to tournament reports.
In the men's draw, Arthur Fils defeated Argentine Mariano Navone and advanced to the semi-finals. Flavio Cobolli also reached that round after beating Tommy Paul in three sets.
