MIAMI — The first major player in the Miami Open has fallen without even getting on the court.
World No. 1 and defending Miami Open champion Iga Swiatek of Poland announced Wednesday she has withdrawn from the tournament with a rib injury.
“It was a very difficult decision to make but I have no doubts that health is the most important,” Swiatek posted on Twitter. “You know that in and after Doha I was struggling with a strong infection. I was allowed to play, but a strong episode of tough cough led to a rib injury. We were trying to handle it and continue to play as long as it was safe for me. We were analyzing the data in the last days and my doctor prepared my diagnosis.
“Unfortunately, I’m still feeling a lot of discomfort and pain and I can’t compete. I need to take a break to recover and I have to pull out of the Miami Open and Billie Jean King Cup.”
Swiatek was scheduled to face Claire Liu (U.S.) in her opening round. Now, Liu, who defeated Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) on Tuesday in the first round, will face lucky loser Julia Grabher (Austria) in Thursday’s second round.
The tournament still has ATP World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who will play his opening match in Friday’s day session.
Last year at the Miami Open, Swiatek defeated Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-0 to win the title.
“It was an amazing tournament last year,’’ Swiatek said Wednesday at a news conference at Hard Rock Stadium, site of the Miami Open. “Especially because it gave me the belief that I can play in any circumstances and conditions — because it’s totally different than Indian Wells and I was able to adjust really, really fast. I have only good memories from here.’’
Swiatek lost in straight sets to Elena Rybakina on Friday in an Indian Wells semifinal.