Withdrawing From The China Open Despite The Defending Champion, Swiatek Explains The Reason

The world number one Iga Swiatek. (Instagram/@iga.swiatek).

JAKARTA - The China Open starts on September 25. Last year, Iga Swiatek lost only a set in Beijing on its way to winning the sixth WTA 1000 title in its debut in the tournament.

Unfortunately, the surprising decision came from the world number one female and defending champion because she resigned from the China Open which will be held in Beijing for personal reasons.

"Due to personal problems, I was forced to resign from the China Open in Beijing. I am very sorry that I had fun playing and winning this tournament last year and was looking forward to returning there," Swiatek was quoted as saying on the WTA official website., reported ANTARA, Saturday, September 21.

"I know that fans will feel great tennis there and I apologize for not being able to attend this time," he added.

This year, Swiatek has won four of the eight WTA 1000 events and last competed in New York. He also stepped down from the Korea Open this week in Seoul on the grounds of a change in schedule.

Apart from Swiatek, world number nine Maria Sakkari suffered a sustained shoulder injury and world number 10 Danielle Collins who was sick also resigned from the main round, another top 10 in the WTA ranking is expected to compete.

Meanwhile, US Open 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu resigned from the qualifying round due to a knee injury.

Defending champions Australian Open and US Open Aryna Sabalenka will be top seeds in Beijing, a tournament where she has reached the quarter-finals twice in three appearances throughout her career, while US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula is expected to be the second seed.