Iga Swiatek won't play in Miami!

• Tennis

The clear defeat suffered in the semifinal against Elena Rybakina at the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells had already sounded an alarm signal about Iga Swiatek's physical condition. The world number one, at the end of the match, spoke of a physical problem and explained that she would have done everything to defend the title at the Miami Open.

"I don't know specifically, I made too many mistakes. I also have some physical problems and in the next few days I will do some tests with the medical staff. I'll try to use this couple of days off." Just in the last few hours, however, the Polish player has raised the white flag and announced her forfeit from the Miami tournament, which will therefore lose one of the main protagonists of the women's Tour.

Swiatek won't play the Miami Open: "I still feel a lot of pain"

She explained: "You know that during and after the Doha tournament I had to deal with a strong infection. I was allowed to play, but a severe coughing episode resulted in a rib injury.

We tried to handle it and keep playing as long as it was safe for me. We have been analyzing the data for the past few days and my doctor has come up with a diagnosis. Unfortunately, I'm still in a lot of aches and pains and can't compete.

I need a break to recover and have to cancel myself from the Miami Open and the Billie Jean King Cup. I will keep you updated on my next commitments, but it will depend on my recovery process and the recommendations of my medical staff.

I have the best team, we just need some time. It's really hard not to play in Miami, but health is the most important thing. I'm thankful that this is only my first time dealing with a health issue and that I've been able to compete in top form for a long time, but this is sport.

It can happen sometimes. I have to accept it and recover as soon as possible." Taking Swiatek's place in the main draw will be lucky loser Julia Grabher, current number 94 in the WTA rankings. The Austrian tennis player will face Claire Liu in the second round.

? It was a very difficult decision to make but I have no doubts that health is the most important. ⤵️

? To była naprawdę bardzo trudna decyzja, ale nie mam wątpliwości, że zdrowie jest absolutnie najważniejsze.

⤵️ pic.twitter.com/HjBqrANmy0 — Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) March 22, 2023