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World No. 1 and defending Miami Open champion Iga Swiatek of Poland announced Wednesday she has withdrawn from the tournament with a rib injury.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.
