'Get well soon': Tennis fans left saddened by Iga Swiatek news

Tennis fans were left saddened on Wednesday night after Iga Swiatek announced her withdrawal from the Madrid Open.

The World No.1 has won 23 consecutive matches and four titles in 2022, but has decided to skip the clay-court event to rest a shoulder injury.

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The 20-year-old Polish star won the Stuttgart Open last week, adding it to titles she's already won in Qatar, Indian Wells and Miami this year.

Swiatek was set to be the top seed in the Spanish capital, but announced her withdrawal on Wednesday.

"After intense last weeks and winning four titles in a row, it's time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven't had a chance to handle it properly," the 2020 French Open champion wrote on Twitter.

"I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm well and that's why, unfortunately, I have to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open.

"My body needs rest. I'm going to take some time to prepare for Rome and Paris. See you soon there.

"Hopefully, I will play in Madrid many times in the future - I'm looking forward to it."

Fans were left saddened that they won't see Swiatek in Madrid, wishing her the best.

Swiatek will now focus on her preparations for the French Open, where she will be the overwhelming favourite.

The Polish star will be looking to add to her lone grand slam triumph at Roland Garros in 2020.

Swiatek wants united front in Russian, Belarusian ban

Speaking in Madrid on Wednesday, Swiatek called for the governing bodies of tennis to unite in their decisions regarding the involvement of Russian and Belarusian players at tournaments in order to avoid the "chaos" created by Wimbledon's unilateral move to ban them.

The World No.1 has been vocal in her support for Ukraine and has been wearing a ribbon with the country's colours during her matches.

Last week, Wimbledon announced Russian and Belarusian players were banned from this year's tournament due to the invasion of Ukraine.

"The situation is getting like more and more chaotic, I would say," Swiatek told reporters.

"But I feel like it would be nice to have all these bodies making the proper decision so that we're not going to have that kind of chaos.

"I feel like people are expecting us players to make the decision, but it's pretty hard for us to make one because we know these people.

"We know each other. We are spending so much time on tour that it feels like we're family.

"For sure it's a tough situation and that's why I think the actual people who are responsible for making this decision, they should make one decision that is going to last."

Swiatek didn't say whether she believes Wimbledon's decision is correct or not and feels she is not qualified enough to weigh in on the matter in a definitive way.

"I don't know what decision is right, because honestly, I'm 20 and it's not like I'm saying that because I want to stay in a safe bubble," she added.

"But honestly, I've never been involved in politics and it's not like I know everything.

"It's more like I still need to educate myself and I feel like I should educate myself a little bit more in that.

"So I can't tell what's the best decision that's for sure. Making some moves that are going to help stop the war a little bit would be better."

with agencies

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