Iga Swiatek Retires Hurt in Madrid Open After Battling Severe Viral Infection

Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek was forced to withdraw from her round-of-32 match at the Madrid Open after falling ill during her contest against Ann Li. The fourth seed retired while trailing 6-7(4), 6-2, 0-3, bringing an early end to her campaign in the tournament.

Swiatek required medical attention during the match and left the court visibly distressed. The 24-year-old later confirmed that a viral infection had affected her physical condition in the lead-up to the match, leaving her unable to compete at full capacity.

“The past two days were pretty terrible, I think I have some virus,” Swiatek said.

“It's been some hours fine, some hours pretty bad. I had zero energy, zero stability, and I just felt really bad physically.

“I knew that (it was) going to be hard but I still wanted to try because I already have been sick twice in my career and I could still win most of my matches. I guess it depends on how bad it is, and I guess this time it was worse than before.”

Impact on Clay-Court Preparations

The withdrawal interrupts Swiatek’s clay-court schedule ahead of the French Open, a tournament she has dominated in recent seasons. She lifted the title in 2024, adding to her four championships at Roland Garros.

Despite the setback, Swiatek is expected to resume her preparations at the Italian Open, which begins on May 5. The event will serve as her final competitive outing before the French Open main draw starts on May 24.

Swiatek’s early exit from Madrid removes one of the leading contenders from the field, with the focus now shifting to her recovery and readiness for the remainder of the clay season.