Six-times Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek retired from her Madrid Open round-of-32 match against American Ann Li on Saturday due to illness. The fourth seed and 2024 Madrid champion left the court in tears, trailing 6-7(4), 6-2, 0-3.
Swiatek required a medical timeout while down 2-0 in the deciding set. Although she returned to the court, she withdrew after Li held serve. Ann Li, ranked 34, recorded her second career win over a top-10 opponent and will face Leylah Fernandez in the round of 16. Swiatek had previously beaten Daria Snigur in straight sets in her second-round opener on Thursday.
The Polish star attributed her withdrawal to a gastrointestinal illness and virus, stating that she had zero energy and stability. Swiatek noted that while she had been sick twice before in her career and managed to win most of those matches, this instance was worse.
The withdrawal deals a blow to the 24-year-old's preparations for the French Open, a tournament she has won four times, most recently in 2024. Swiatek is expected to continue her build-up to the French Open, which begins on May 24, at the Italian Open running from May 5-17.