Elena Rybakina: “The Most Important Thing Is to Try to Stay Healthy” — World No. 2 Cleared for US Open Following Leg Injury
Nearly ten days after a left leg injury forced Elena Rybakina to withdraw from her quarterfinal match at the Cincinnati Open, the World No. 2 appears ready for main-draw competition at the 2026 US Open.
Rybakina—who also withdrew from the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship earlier in the week—addressed reporters on Saturday to provide an update on her recovery process. The 2026 Australian Open champion revealed that she spent a full week off the court undergoing medical consultations to manage the issue.
“For a couple of days, it was painful to even walk,” Rybakina admitted. “I started to practice, so I feel well. We’re still making some adjustments. But overall, I’m happy how we dealt with the problem.”
Prioritizing Health Over Ranking Projections
Rybakina has put together a stellar 2026 campaign. Following her victory at the 2025 WTA Finals, she raised the trophy at the Australian Open—defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in both championship matches—before reaching finals in Indian Wells and Toronto, alongside a title run in Stuttgart.
While those results have placed her within striking distance of the top spot in the WTA rankings, Rybakina maintains that point scenarios are secondary to her physical well-being.
“I don’t check the ranking exactly, the point situation,” Rybakina emphasized. “Especially now when I had this injury last week, I feel like the most important [thing is to just] try to stay healthy, play match at a time, because this is not the last tournament of the year. Of course it’s a Grand Slam, and you want to do well. But you have plenty of opportunities after if you’re healthy and you keep on playing.”
Confidence High Heading Into Flushing Meadows
Despite missing valuable court time leading into the final Grand Slam of the season, Rybakina feels clear about her preparation and tactical approach.
“I don’t actually have any questions. I’m quite confident with the decision we are making each day on how to practice, what to do, and especially what can happen worst-case scenario,” she noted. “So all these things I feel quite confident. It’s just also to start feeling better on the court moving-wise.”
She also embraced the energetic New York environment awaiting her at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
“I feel the crowd here is quite different from other places. It’s very loud, and it’s really a lot of people.”
Rybakina will begin her US Open campaign against teenage American wild card Thea Frodin, the reigning USTA Girls’ 18s National Champion.
“We will see what’s gonna happen in the next few days, but for now it’s been well,” Rybakina concluded. “I always want to go on court when I’m 100% sure, and it’s the last Slam of the year, so I think everyone will want to try to compete.”
