Defending champion Iga Swiatek won't be competing at the 2023 Miami Open as she's not fit enough.
After her semifinal loss at Indian Wells, the young Pole admitted that she was bothered by an injury and it's the exact same injury that will keep her also from competing at the 2023 Miami Open. In the second round of the event, Swiatek was set to begin against the same opponent as in Indian Wells, Claire Liu.
Up next, the world no. 1 was set to compete also at the Billie Jean King Cup in Poland's tie against Kazakhstan, but most likely she'll miss also that as a rib injury will take a bit longer to heal. After that, Swiatek should defend her title at the 2023 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. Announcing the withdrawal from the 2023 Miami Open in a statement, she wrote:
"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. Unfortunately, I'm still feeling a lot of discomfort and pain and I can't compete."
The defending champion was truly disappointed to miss the second leg of the Sunshine Double, but emphasized that it's important to look after her health.
"I will keep you updated about where I play next, because it depends on my process of recovering and the recommendation of my medical team. I have the best team behind me, we only need some time to deal with the injury. It's a truly difficult call to not play in Miami and BJKC, but health is the most important."
"I'm grateful this is the first health issue in a long time and I was able to compete in perfect shape for so long, but that's sports, it happens sometimes, without our control. Time to accept it and get well as soon as possible."
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