Rybakina US Open participation in doubt amid recovery

7 sourcesUpdated Aug 29, 2026

Elena Rybakina is still recovering from a left leg injury sustained in Cincinnati and has not committed to participating in the US Open, emphasizing a cautious approach and stating she won’t rush back until certain she is ready. She has spent about 10 days focusing on recovery, with positive signs but no on-court preparation yet, and her first-round opponent is wildcard Thea Frodin. The US Open presents a clear path to world No. 1 for her: she only needs to reach the semifinals to overtake Aryna Sabalenka, and Sabalenka would have to win the title to maintain the top spot. If Rybakina falters before the semis, Sabalenka could retain No. 1 depending on other results, with potential shifts involving Coco Gauff or Jessica Pegula. Analysts note Rybakina has less to defend this year than Sabalenka, sharpening her chances of ascending, provided she stays healthy and returns in time for competition. Her participation remains uncertain as she balances the goal of becoming No. 1 with a priority on full recovery.

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Aug 24, 2026Aug 29, 2026

Aug 29, 2026Elena Rybakina's US Open participation remains uncertain amid recovery from a Cincinnati leg injury, though she still has a path to world No. 1 depending on her results and Sabalenka's performance.
Aug 29, 2026Cannabis smell wafting from Corona Park distracts US Open players including Katie Boulter and Fran Jones during matches on courts like Court 17.
Aug 29, 2026Aryna Sabalenka, seeking a third straight US Open title, works to rebound from a slump that has kept her from advancing past the fourth round in recent events.

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Broke tennisuptodate.com · Aug 28, 2:30 AMRight +43h7 sources +44h on

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