Swiatek ends season after Ningbo withdrawal

Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the Ningbo Open because of a persistent left thigh injury, bringing her 2026 season to an end. The six-time major champion will miss the WTA Finals for the first time since 2019.

Swiatek made the decision after assessing her condition and deciding that an extended recovery period was more important than competing in the final tournaments of the year. She will now focus on recovering fully before returning to competition in 2027.

The injury was sustained during her Wuhan Open semi-final against Maja Chwalinska last week. The Pole struggled with her movement and needed a medical timeout before losing to her compatriot, who went on to claim the title. The defeat left her needing a strong result in Ningbo to maintain her chances of reaching the season-ending championships.

Swiatek won the WTA Finals in 2023, making her absence from this year's event another setback in a season that has fallen below her usual standards. She finishes the year ranked world No. 9 with a 39-15 record and one title, which she claimed at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto.

With Swiatek sidelined, fellow contenders Karolina Muchova and Marta Kostyuk are locked in an intense battle for the final spot in the eight-player singles field at the WTA Finals at Indian Wells.

Season overview

The 25-year-old's withdrawal ended her hopes of qualifying for the WTA Finals, which features the eight leading players of the season. She will not qualify for the season-ending championships for the first time since 2019.

Sources

• tennisnow.com

• tntsports.co.uk