Elena Rybakina to withdraw from US Open 2026?

Elena Rybakina needs to reach the US Open semi-finals to confirm her World No. 1 ranking

Second seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan entered the US Open 2026 amid uncertainty over her participation due to injury concerns. It started at the Cincinnati Open just a few days ago, when she retired mid-match against Poland’s Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals while trailing 1-4 in the first set.

Rybakina had tweaked something in her left ankle during a rally, tried to play on, and pulled the plug after one more service game when she realised that she was unable to move her leg.

Her team stayed tight-lipped about the exact diagnosis at the time, with speculation pointing to an Achilles issue since that’s where she was strapped up. It later emerged, according to ESPN, that the actual problem was a tendon in her left heel.

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Rybakina subsequently withdrew from the US Open mixed doubles fixture, hoping to attain 100% fitness ahead of the all-important Slam. This competition is crucial for the Kazakh, who has suffered disappointments at both the French Open and Wimbledon this year. Also at stake for her is the chance to become the new World No. 1 for the first time in her career.

Will Elena Rybakina withdraw from US Open 2026 second-round match?

Fresh concerns have surfaced ahead of Rybakina’s second-round encounter. Rybakina was scheduled for a practice session on Wednesday at around 3 pm local time, but she later cancelled the session.

With her second-round match scheduled late at night at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Rybakina has booked a one-hour practice session on Thursday, just hours ahead of her battle against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain. A lot will depend on how this practice session goes for Rybakina’s confidence ahead of the encounter.

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The two-time Grand Slam champion is expected to take the court, but all eyes will be on Rybakina’s movement and how comfortably she is serving. In the opening round, she cruised to an easy win over USA’s Thea Frodin, but it was evident that the Kazakh was at times restricting herself during points.

This was likely a case of precaution given the match situation, but one would hope Rybakina’s condition does not deteriorate as the tournament goes on. She has never progressed beyond the fourth round at Flushing Meadows and will be hoping to stay fit to fight for the crown this time around.

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