Polish world number 1 Iga Swiatek, feverish, withdrew ahead of her semi-final at the WTA tournament in Bad Homburg on Friday, just three days before the start of Wimbledon, where she is one of the favorites.
“I’m so sorry but I have to forfeit my game today,” the 22-year-old tweeted. I had a restless night due to a fever and possibly food poisoning. His withdrawal, which is therefore not due to a muscle injury, seems to be a precaution as Wimbledon begins on Monday. “I’m not able to perform today and I have to take care of myself, adds the champion, still in her tweet. I hope I will get better soon.”
Before forfeiting, Swiatek had had a smooth run at the WTA 250 on grass in Bad Homburg (Germany), leaving only one round in three matches. She had to face the Italian Lucia Bronzetti (65th), who therefore qualifies without playing for the final.
Triple winner of Roland-Garros (2020, 2022 and 2023) and crowned at the US Open in 2022, the native of Warsaw has dominated the WTA circuit for several years, with Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (N.2) and Kazakh Elena Rybakina (N.3).
Like her two rivals, Swiatek is one of the players to follow in the London Grand Slam, even if she has never managed to go beyond the round of 16 during her career. She must face the Chinese Lin Zhu (33rd) in the first round in London.