Miami, USA

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek withdraws from Miami Open and Billie Jean King Cup with rib injury

The Pole is dealing with an infection, and "a strong episode of tough cough led to a rib injury."

Published March 22, 2023

HIGHLIGHTS: E. Rybakina def. I. Swiatek; Indian Wells SF3:21

HIGHLIGHTS: Rybakina's quarterfinal win over Swiatek in Indian Wells

Take nothing away from Elena Rybakina, but there was perhaps another reason the eventual champion was in such command over Iga Swiatek when they met in last week's Indian Wells semifnals. On Wednesday, Swiatek revealed that she's dealing with a rib injury, and has pulled out of the Miami Open and the Billie Jean King Cup:

🎾 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

The top seed, who is also the defending Miami Open champion, is replaced in the draw by lucky loser Julia Grabher.

Swiatek, who on Tuesday revealed a new apparel and footwear deal with On, did not lose a set in Indian Wells until her match with Rybakina. The French Open and US Open champion, who went 67-9 in 2022 with eight titles, is 16-4 so far in 2023.