New Delhi, 20 October (H.S.): Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek of Poland has withdrawn from the Ningbo Open due to a thigh injury, ending her hopes of directly qualifying for the WTA Finals, the season-ending tournament.

Swiatek sustained an injury to her left thigh during her semifinal match against compatriot Maja Chwalinska at the Wuhan Open, where she suffered a 5-7, 1-6 defeat. She appeared uncomfortable during the match and took a medical timeout to receive treatment on her leg.

In a statement published on the Ningbo Open’s official social media account, Swiatek said she had been experiencing persistent discomfort in her left thigh over the past few weeks. After careful consideration, she decided to withdraw from the tournament to rest and recover from the injury. She also thanked the organisers and fans who had hoped to watch her play, expressing her hope of returning to the event next year.

Swiatek, who won the WTA Finals title in 2023, is currently ninth in the race to qualify for this year’s season-ending tournament. Her withdrawal from the Ningbo Open has effectively closed the door on direct qualification, leaving her eligible to enter the WTA Finals only as an alternate.

One place remains available at the WTA Finals. Swiatek had been competing for that spot alongside Czech player Karolina Muchova, who is currently seventh in the qualification standings.

During the Wuhan Open semifinal, Swiatek initially trailed 3-5 in the opening set but fought back to level the score at 5-5. She then took a medical timeout to receive treatment for her leg. After returning to the court, she appeared to be hampered by the injury and lost the first set. Chwalinska maintained her dominance in the second set to secure the victory.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar