World number one Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the Miami Open tournament with a rib injury, organisers said on Wednesday.
The Pole was the defending champion at Miami and was expected to play American Claire Liu in the second round on Thursday after receiving a first-round bye.
Swiatek said in a statement that she would also miss Poland’s upcoming match in the Billie Jean King competition.
She lost in the semifinals of Indian Wells to eventual champion Elena Rybakina but said that she was not able to play again with the injury.
“You know that in and after Doha I was struggling with a strong infection,” Swiatek said.
“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,” she said.
