Iga Swiatek Withdraws from Ningbo Open Due to Injury, WTA Finals Uncertain

NINGBO, China (AP) — Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the Ningbo Open due to an injury to her left thigh, which may affect her ability to compete in the WTA Finals at Indian Wells next month. The six-time Grand Slam champion recently lost to Maja Chwalinska, the eventual champion, in the semifinals of the Wuhan Open.

In a statement shared by the Ningbo tournament, Swiatek said, "After careful consideration, I’ve decided to withdraw from the tournament. I’ve been experiencing an ongoing problem with my left thigh over the past weeks, and I feel that giving myself the time to rest and recover is the right decision."

Swiatek is currently competing with Karolina Muchova and Marta Kostyuk for the final spot in the eight-player field for the WTA Finals. According to a preview from the WTA, if Swiatek does not reach the quarterfinals and Kostyuk fails to make the final in Ningbo, Muchova will secure the last available spot for the season-ending tournament starting on November 8.

Additionally, former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko had to retire during her match against fifth-seeded Belinda Bencic, who was leading 6-3, 1-1 when Ostapenko withdrew after receiving medical attention in the first set.