Iga Swiatek will not play the 2023 Miami Open, due to a rib injury, and she won’t have the chance to defend the title she won last season
Iga Swiatek will not play the 2023 Miami Open, due to a rib injury, and she won’t have the chance to defend the title she won last season. The Grand Slam champion has suffered from an infection since the Doha tournament but it was at Indian Wells that the muscle problems began.
At the Miami Open, the Polish woman explained the reasons for her non-presence. Speaking of her retirement from Miami, she also revealed a few details about her rivalries on the court, especially with Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka.
She told: “The gap between me, Sabalenka and Rybakina with the other players? It’s a difficult question because there are also many players who play very well. Last year the same could be said of me and Ons Jabeur. So I think they still need a couple of tournaments or months to judge.
I am aware that any of us can win tournaments. I always want to be prepared and attentive to face my opponents. I played against Aryna about six times last year and against Elena already twice this year. It shows that maybe there is a bit of rivalry!
Iga on her conditions
She then explained on her condiiton: “I wanted to wait until the last minute. We were checking if it was an injury that would give you the chance to play or an injury that could get worse. So I think the smartest thing to do was to withdraw from this tournament because I want to rest and take care of myself.
It wasn’t a big deal as we caught it early enough. So I thought it was a trial. At first with these little things the body feels nothing. I started feeling it in the last games against Sorana. So I was playing Indian Wells in full and decided to finish the tournament anyway.
Retreating in time is a victory. I won’t give details if it’s a muscle or bone problem. We got it in time. On the one hand you obviously want to continue playing, but on the other hand I am aware that if something hurts, it will usually be a problem in the future.
That’s why I wanted to check as soon as possible and take safety measures. That’s why I retire. It hurts in some movements, but it’s not that bad. I can do many things. The break won’t be long if all goes well. I’m not worried and it’s not a big pain, it’s just that if I play I can make it worse.
I always do physiotherapy. My doctors and physical therapist believe rest is best for this week. When I get home, I’ll start doing more preventative exercises and I’ll be fine.”
