World number two Iga Swiatek indicated Tuesday she may bypass mandatory tennis tournaments next season to preserve her physical wellbeing. The 24-year-old Polish star advanced to the China Open round of 16 after Colombian opponent Camila Osorio retired during their match. Swiatek captured the first set 6-0 before the 23-year-old withdrew at the start of the second.
The top seed expressed concern about player fatigue during the Asian circuit that precedes season-ending events for men and women. Swiatek acknowledged the difficulty of meeting WTA requirements that mandate participation in four Grand Slam events plus 16 additional tournaments across different competition levels. The six-time Grand Slam champion stated top players cannot realistically fulfill the schedule demands while maintaining their health.
Swiatek faces 16th seed Emma Navarro next after the American benefited from French player Lois Boisson retiring with a left thigh injury. The Polish star won her fifth career title at the Korea Open in September and claimed her first Wimbledon championship in July.
The top seed expressed concern about player fatigue during the Asian circuit that precedes season-ending events for men and women. Swiatek acknowledged the difficulty of meeting WTA requirements that mandate participation in four Grand Slam events plus 16 additional tournaments across different competition levels. The six-time Grand Slam champion stated top players cannot realistically fulfill the schedule demands while maintaining their health.
Swiatek faces 16th seed Emma Navarro next after the American benefited from French player Lois Boisson retiring with a left thigh injury. The Polish star won her fifth career title at the Korea Open in September and claimed her first Wimbledon championship in July.
