WTA

Swiatek withdraws from Madrid Open after falling ill during match

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Iga Swiatek, of Poland, reacts after losing a point against Elina Svitolina, of Ukraine, during a quarterfinal match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (Mark J. Terrill)

MADRID (AP) — Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Madrid Open due to an unspecified illness while playing her round-of-32 match against American Ann Li on Saturday.

Li got the walkover win when the fourth-ranked Swiatek withdrew with Li winning 7-6 (4), 2-6, 3-0.

Swiatek, the 2024 Madrid champion, required a medical timeout while down 2-0 in the deciding set. She returned to the court but called it quits after Li held serve.

The Polish star beat Daria Snigur in straight sets in her second-round opener on Thursday.

Li, who is ranked 34, recorded a a second career win over a top-10 opponent. She will face Leylah Fernandez in the round of 16.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

The Associated Press