World No 1 Iga Swiatek pulls out of the Madrid Open with an injury concern

WTA Tour
Celebrations from Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from this week’s Madrid Open with an arm problem.

The world No 1 has been dominating the WTA Tour in recent weeks, after assuming top spot in the rankings following the shock retirement of Ashleigh Barty.

The 20-year-old Polish star is in the midst of a 23-match win streak after winning her fourth consecutive title at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart last week, but she has opted to take a step away from the tour after playing so many matches in quick succession.

Swiatek’s win in Madrid ensured she became the first player to win the first three WTA 1000 events of the season at the Qatar Total Open, BNP Paribas Open, and Miami Open.

By winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back in March, Swiatek became the fourth and youngest woman to win the Sunshine Double, but she will not be adding the Madrid title to her collection this year.

“After intense last weeks and winning four titles in a row it’s time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven’t had a chance to handle it properly,” said Swiatek.

“I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm well and that’s why unfortunately I have to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open.

“My body needs rest. I’m going to take some time to prepare for Rome and Paris. See you soon there. Hopefully I will play in Madrid many times in the future – looking forward to it.”

Swiatek will now focus her mind on preparing for the French Open, where she will be a strong favorite to win the title she lifted in her breakthrough event in 2020.

Her absence from the draw opens a path for Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who was in the same quarter of the draw as the world No 1.

Iga Swiatek

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