Swiatek Reveals Injury Stopped Her at Indian Wells
WTA
Iga Swiatek was the defending champion at the 2023 Indian Wells Open, but she lost in the semi-finals, two steps away from defending her title.
Last year, the young Pole completed the Sunshine Double, and she wanted to become the first woman to defend it this year. However, as she revealed after her semi-final match, which she lost to Elena Rybakina in two sets, Swiatek wasn't 100% fit to compete.
Her opponent, on the other hand, played probably the best tennis in her life, and it resulted in a swift 6-2, 6-2 win for the Kazakhstani player, who will be playing her first WTA 1000 final.
Following the loss, Swiatek revealed that she felt discomfort in her rib, which is why she wasn't able to perform at her best.
"Honestly I feel like it’s still more me and kind of my mistakes. I’m also like not feeling 100 percent physically. I have a little like discomfort in my rib, and we’re going to consult with medical team. For sure I’m gonna use these days off before Miami… Actually, I have one more day."
The World No. 1 is still not sure about her Miami Open participation. Swiatek also talked about how it feels to play with an injury and that it's a situation that she's not used to, as he hasn't experienced it since 2019.
"Honestly, I haven't played with a lot of injuries. It's a new situation for me, for sure. Last time I played with an injury, like the only tournament I can remember is like Roland Garros 2019. So I was pretty young. Now it's a totally different level. So I feel like going on that matches you have to be 100% fit."
Although she talked about her discomfort and the fact that she wasn't 100% fit to compete against Rybakina in the semi-finals, Swiatek didn't forget to praise her opponent, who played a sensational match and certainly deserved a spot in the final against Aryna Sabalenka.
"For sure Elena played great tennis today, and I feel like against her I have to play better. She was playing really well. I’m pretty sad that I lost, but on the other hand overall it’s a pretty good tournament for me."
