Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina says issues are “all good” for the US Open after a heel harm compelled her to retire from her Cincinnati WTA semi-final last week.
“I started to practice, so I feel well,” the Kazakh said Saturday. “We’re still making some adjustments, but overall I’m happy how we dealt with the problem. We worked hard and likely it’s all good right now and it’s just a matter of a couple more practices and then, yeah, going on the match.”
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Rybakina can supplant Aryna Sabalenka atop the world rankings if she reaches the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows — regardless of whether the Belarusian can win a third straight title.
For weeks she’s said she is not targeted on the rating, and her harm only bolstered that strategy.
“From media mostly I know where I should get, how the others should play — all the different scenarios,” she said. “But for me, especially now when I had this injury last week, I feel like the most important (is) just try to stay healthy, play match at a time.
“I’m making an attempt not to think about it at all and just play match at a time.”
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After hobbling out of her Cincinnati clash with Iga Swiatek, Rybakina said she didn’t play for a week and saw several doctors.
“It wasn’t straightforward because we did not know precisely how the foot is gonna react, since it was very painful for me to go and serve on that match in Cincinnati … then for a couple of days it was painful to even stroll.
“After, we managed to do everything possible for it to get better, and I’m glad how the process is going for now.”
Rybakina said concern of aggravating the harm won’t hinder her in the closing Grand Slam of the season.
“I’m quite confident with the decision we are making each day how to practice, what to do, and especially what can happen worst-case scenario.
“So all these issues I really feel fairly assured.”
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