Elena Rybakina has provided an update on her condition amid concerns over her looming campaign at the 2026 US Open. The world No. 2 raised alarm when she retired mid-match against Iga Świątek at the Cincinnati Open, with the Pole also expressing worry for her rival.
What Elena Rybakina Said About Her Injury Ahead of the US Open
Following a runner-up finish at the Canadian Open, Rybakina made another deep run at the Cincinnati Open. However, her quarterfinal clash against Świątek was derailed after she sustained a left leg injury, forcing her to retire while trailing 1-4.
While speaking to the media after the match, the world No. 2 opened up about the “painful” injury and disclosed it had been a persistent issue for quite some time.
“Of course, I feel not the greatest. It’s painful to walk,” she said. “We’ll know more tomorrow when we have the MRI. It’s been bothering me for a long period of time, but I felt like I had it under control. It was feeling okay before the match. Unfortunately, one wrong movement and something happened.”
Rybakina, who was set to revive her partnership with Taylor Fritz, then withdrew from the mixed doubles event at the US Open, sparking uncertainty over her participation in the singles draw as well.
Amid the growing alarm, the 27-year-old arrived in New York and joined Flavio Cobolli, Karen Khachanov, and Matteo Arnaldi at The Parliament, where the players took part in an ice cream-making session.
Elena Rybakina, Karen Khachanov and Matteo Arnaldi put together their ice cream creations for “The Pros Serve” at The Parliament tonight #usopen pic.twitter.com/HLwRgmi6Hj
— Bridget Reilly (@bridgetbreilly) August 26, 2026
While at the event, Rybakina spoke to The Mirror US and revealed that she had yet to hit the practice courts at Flushing Meadows, as she focused on her recovery ahead of her opening match.
“Well, I picked up some injury last tournament, so I’m trying to do everything possible to recover. For now, it’s been going well. Unfortunately, I was not on the court yet. We will try it in the next few days, but seems okay, so hopefully it’s going to be good for my first match,” she said.
The world No. 2 further shed light on her cautious approach, emphasizing that she did not want to rush her return to the court.
“It was very important. In total, I had like 10 days and I have still a couple more to prepare. It depends also when it’s going to be my match, but we just don’t want to rush. Just taking my time to be 100% sure,” she added.
🚨BREAKING🚨 Elena Rybakina insisted that she is doing “everything possible” to compete at the US Open during our conversation at The Parliament
The World No. 2 was forced to retire against Iga Świątek in last week’s Cincinnati quarterfinals after suffering a left leg injury pic.twitter.com/JF6UkUnixv
— Matthew Neschis (@MNeschis) August 26, 2026
In addition to chasing her third Grand Slam title, Elena Rybakina has the opportunity to become the world No. 1 for the first time in her career at the US Open. She will secure the top spot if she reaches the semifinals in New York.
However, Rybakina could also rise to No. 1 without winning a single match if Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula all fail to win the title.
