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via Reuters

via Reuters

Polish World No. 9 Iga Swiatek is hard at work ahead of the Australian Open 2022. The 20-year-old WTA star reached the semi-final of the Adelaide International tournament, which precedes the Grand Slam.

However, Swiatek lost her semi-final match against Australian Ashleigh Barty in straight sets. Subsequently, Iga Swiatek has delivered some bad news to her fans via Twitter.

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Iga Swiatek pulls out of the Sydney Tennis Classic

After playing in the Adelaide International tournament, Iga Swiatek was planning to play the Sydney Tennis Classic tournament as well. As a matter of fact, both these tournaments are key warmup challenges for the Australian Open.

USA Today via Reuters

However, Swiatek has now released a statement regarding her participation in Sydney. The Polish star said that her “body needs more time to recover” before the Australian Open. This is owing to an “intense preseason and last week’s tournament in Adelaide,” as per her official tweet.

Sadly, it is not just a matter of fatigue, that has made Swiatek take stock of her physical situation.I’ve been feeling some pain in my lower rib area,” she explained in her statement. Thus, she has come to a major decision before the Grand Slam approaches in just a little over a week.

“Unfortunately, I’ve decided to withdraw from Sydney. I wish everyone a great week,” her statement read. Swiatek lost her match to World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty 2-6, 4-6 at the Adelaide International. Now, Iga will not be playing in Sydney, and will instead play straight at the Australian Open.

ALSO READ: ‘Like Being in a Swordfight’: WTA Player Describes How Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka Differ as Competitors

Swiatek made Ashleigh Barty play her ‘best tennis’

It was the World No. 1 and home favorite Ashleigh Barty who defeated Iga Swiatek in their bout in Adelaide. Subsequently, Barty was all praises for her opponent.

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In fact, according to Barty, Swiatek made her play her “best tennis” during their clash. Subsequently, Barty went on to face Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan. She won the contest in straight sets, going 6-3, 6-2 against her opponent to win the Adelaide International tournament.

via Reuters

On the other hand, time will tell if Iga Swiatek’s rib injury might diminish her chances and hopes of making a deep run at the Australian Open. Moreover, missing a key warmup tournament like the Sydney Classic won’t help her chances, either.

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How far do you expect the Polish World No. 9 to go this month?

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