“Sabalenka getting that year end No.1” – Fans react to Iga Swiatek’s latest withdrawal from China Open 2024

Tennis fans react to World No. 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek's withdrawal from the upcoming China Open.

“Sabalenka getting that year end No.1” – Fans react to Iga Swiatek’s latest withdrawal from China Open 2024

Iga Swiatek bows out of 2024 US Open (Image via X)

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the China Open just four days before the tournament kicks off. The Polish star is the tournament’s defending champion, having beaten Russian Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets in the final last year.

Swiatek has had a busy season, winning five titles. She played in four consecutive tournaments during the clay swing, winning three titles and finishing as the semifinalist in one. However, since her French Open triumph in June, the Polish star has withdrawn from several events. She also did not participate in any grass events ahead of Wimbledon.

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At the Paris Olympics, Swiatek was expected to win the singles gold medal. But she lost her semifinal against Qinwen Zheng and went on to claim the bronze medal. After returning from the Summer Games, she withdrew from the Canadian Open while also complaining about the WTA Tour’s congested schedule.

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Swiatek failed to win the title in Cincinnati and the US Open, exiting in the quarterfinals at the season’s final Grand Slam after losing to runner-up Jessica Pegula. After withdrawing from the Korea Open, she has now pulled out from the China Open citing personal reasons.

Due to personal matters, I'm forced to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing. I'm very sorry as I had an amazing time playing and winning this tournament last year and was really looking forward to being back there. I know that the fans will experience great tennis there and I'm sorry I won't be a part of it this time.
Iga Swiatek revealed via a statement from the WTA on X

The WTA 1000 tournament in Beijing will get underway from September 25 to October 6. Swiatek will be hoping to return to the court at the Wuhan Open by the end of October.

Fans react to Iga Swiatek’s withdrawal from the China Open

Fans on social media have reacted to Iga Swiatek’s withdrawal from the China Open. The Polish star’s withdrawal from the event means she would lose 1000 ranking points as she is the defending champion. This will now give her rival, World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, a golden opportunity to close the gap in the WTA rankings.

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Aryna Sabalenka with her US Open title, Iga Swiatek (Images via X, Imago)

On the other hand, this is Swiatek’s second consecutive withdrawal since the US Open. The 23-year-old has complained severely about the congested tennis calendar, revealing that players do not get a break until the end of the season.

Here are some of the fans’ reactions on social media:

Meanwhile, Maria Sakkari has also withdrawn from the China Open due to a shoulder injury she suffered at the US Open. The World No. 9 and Swiatek are the only Top 10 players who will be absent from the tournament in Beijing.