Miami Open: Defending champion Iga Swiatek pulls out with damage

Defending champion Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the Miami Open after “feeling lots of discomfort” attributable to a rib damage.

The world primary was attributable to play American Claire Liu within the second spherical of the event on Thursday after receiving a bye.

Nonetheless, Swiatek revealed in a press release on social media that she had been fighting a rib concern sustained throughout final month’s Qatar Open, which she went on to win.

The Pole confirmed that she is going to take a break, that means she can also be set to overlook the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup in April.

She stated: “You realize that in and after Doha I used to be fighting a powerful an infection. I used to be allowed to play, however a powerful episode of powerful cough led to a rib damage.

“We have been attempting to deal with it and proceed to play so long as it was secure for me. We have been analysing the info within the final days and my physician ready my prognosis.

“Sadly, I’m nonetheless feeling lots of discomfort and ache and I can’t compete.

“I have to take a break to recuperate and I’ve to tug out of the Miami Open and Billie Jean King Cup.

“I’ll preserve you up to date about the place I play subsequent, as a result of it is determined by my means of recovering and the advice of my medical staff. I’ve the perfect staff behind me, we solely want a while to cope with the damage.

“It’s a very troublesome name to not play in Miami and BJKC, however well being is a very powerful.

“I’m grateful that is the primary well being concern in a very long time and I used to be in a position to compete in good form for therefore lengthy, however that’s sports activities, it occurs typically, with out our management.

“Time to simply accept it and get nicely as quickly as potential.”

Swiatek’s withdrawal signifies that Julia Grabher will take her place in Miami.