Major upsets and injuries reshape the Cincinnati Open

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, world number one Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated from the Cincinnati Open in the round of 16 by 20-year-old Czech player Sara Bejlek, ranked 35th globally. Bejlek secured a 7-6, 6-4 victory, marking her first win against a top-10 opponent and her debut in a WTA 1000 quarter-final, after overcoming a 1-4 deficit in the second set.

Meanwhile, in the tournament's quarter-finals, Elena Rybakina was forced to withdraw during her match against Iga Swiatek due to a left heel injury. Trailing 4-1 in the first set, the world number two was unable to continue, allowing Swiatek to advance to the semi-finals where she is set to face Jessica Pegula, who defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(4).

These developments occur just ten days before the start of the US Open. Sabalenka’s early exit places her world number one ranking at risk, as Rybakina would have ascended to the top spot had she reached the final. Tournament organizers and players now monitor the status of injured competitors as the Grand Slam approaches.