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Iga Świątek, the former world No. 1 and currently ranked No. 9, has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Ningbo Open due to a persistent left thigh injury. The announcement came after weeks of struggling with the discomfort, prompting the Polish star to prioritize recovery over competition as the season approaches its final stages.
Świątek’s injury became apparent during last week’s tournament in Wuhan. Despite the ongoing pain, she competed and advanced to the semifinals, where she was ultimately defeated by Maja Chwalińska. Acknowledging the toll the injury has taken, she chose not to enter the Ningbo Open, signaling a cautious approach to her health moving forward.
Świątek Prioritizes Recovery After Grueling Season
In a statement addressing her withdrawal, Świątek described the injury as “an ongoing problem” with her left thigh. She emphasized that rest is necessary to ensure she can return strong for the remainder of the season. This decision underscores the physical demands she has endured throughout 2026 and the importance of managing her condition carefully.
Following Świątek’s exit, her spot at the Ningbo Open has been filled by Russian player Anastasia Zakharova, who will now compete in the tournament in her stead.
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