Iga Świątek withdraws from WTA 500 tournament in Ningbo with thigh injury

Iga Świątek has withdrawn from the WTA 500 tournament in Ningbo, China. The reason is an injury to her left thigh. The news was reported by the Sportowefakty WP website on 20 October 2026.

The match against Bouzková will not take place

Świątek was seeded second in Ningbo. She had a bye in the first round and was due to play the Czech player Marie Bouzková in the second. That match will not go ahead, because the Pole pulled out before playing her first match of the tournament.

In a statement released by the organisers, Świątek said she had been struggling with a problem with her left thigh for several weeks. She said that rest and recovery were the right decision in the circumstances. She added that she had very much wanted to play in Ningbo, thanked the organisers and fans, and said she was looking forward to returning next year.

Earlier defeat in Wuhan

On Saturday 17 October 2026, Świątek lost to Maja Chwalińska in Wuhan 5-7, 1-6. According to Sportowe Fakty, she was visibly struggling with pain during that match and took a medical timeout. After the Wuhan tournament she had only a few days to recover before the start of the event in Ningbo.

Maja Chwalińska has also withdrawn from the Ningbo tournament for the same reason. The Pole won the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan on Sunday and announced on Monday that she was pulling out of the next tournament.

Who benefited

Anastasia Zakharova benefited from Świątek's withdrawal. The Russian entered the main draw as a "lucky loser" from qualifying and immediately received a bye. She will play Bouzková in the second round.

There is currently no information on how long Świątek's break will last or when she will return to the court.