Iga Swiatek, the Polish tennis player, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming WTA 1000 tournament in Guadalajara. This decision comes just days before the tournament’s commencement.
Swiatek, currently ranked world No. 2 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, made the announcement via her social media channels. She cited her busy schedule as the primary reason for her withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of listening to her body and strategically planning her tournament appearances.
“I need to withdraw from the tournament in Guadalajara due to a change of schedule. I need to listen to my body and as the season in very intense – our no 1 priority is to play it until the end in good health and plan it wisely,”
Swiatek shared on X.
This news comes as a significant blow to Swiatek’s aspirations to regain the top spot in the WTA rankings. On Monday, she lost her No. 1 ranking after an impressive 75-week reign at the top. Aryna Sabalenka currently holds the coveted position, and Swiatek trails by 1,071 points.
It’s worth noting that Swiatek did not participate in the Guadalajara tournament last year, while Sabalenka was eliminated in the second round. As per the WTA rules, such results do not count towards a player’s ranking. However, had Swiatek emerged victorious in Guadalajara, she would have gained 900 points, significantly narrowing the gap to just 171 points.
Nevertheless, Swiatek’s decision underscores the challenges presented by the demanding and congested WTA calendar. Following Guadalajara, players are expected to participate in tournaments in the Far East, including Tokyo and various events in China, before returning to Mexico for the WTA Finals in Cancun. The season will culminate with the Billie Jean King Cup in Seville. This relentless schedule has led players like Swiatek to prioritize their health and injury prevention.