Cough Injuring His Rusuk Bones, Iga Swiatek Failed To Defend The Miami Open Title

The world number one female tennis player, Iga Swiatek. (Photo: Twitter/@iga_swiatek)

JAKARTA - Iga Swiatek's ambition to defend the Miami Open title must be dashed. The world number one withdrew from the tournament due to a rib injury.

The Polish tennis player is actually scheduled to meet American actress Claire Liu. Swiatek said he injured his ribs with a strong cough after infection.

"You know that in and after Doha I struggled with a severe infection," Swiatek said, as broadcast by AFP quoted via Antara, Thursday, March 23.

"I was allowed to play, but a severe cough caused a rib injury. We tried to handle it and keep playing as long as it was safe for me. We analyzed the data in the last days, and doctors prepared my diagnosis."

"Unfortunately, I still feel a lot of discomfort and pain and I can't compete," continued the player who lost in the semifinals of Indian Wells to Elena Rybakina.

🎾 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

Luckily, the injury was not serious. Swiatek said it would not be a long absence even though he did not mention a deadline to return.

With a strong advantage over second place Aryna Sabalenka, Swiatek's number one status will not be directly affected by being absent in Miami.

He also said that losing points in Miami didn't change anything in terms of my approach and mentality.

"I also realized at the start of the season that it would be difficult for me to keep all these points," he said.

"Disappearance of this tournament won't help, but on the other hand, as I said, you know injuries can occur and I haven't suffered any injuries for two or three years."

"What will happen next? We'll see. Obviously it will depend on recovery but for now it's not a bad scenario," continued Swiatek again.

Swiatek said in a statement that he would also miss the upcoming match when Poland faced Kazakhstan in Billie Jean King Cup.