Iga Swiatek succumbed to a lingering thigh injury, with her Tuesday withdrawal killing her chances of playing in the WTA Finals.
The six-time Grand Slam winner and former world No. 1 has qualified into the eight-player year-ender uninterruptedly since 2020. Her last-gasp lifeline might be an alternate’s position in Indian Wells next month.
“After careful consideration, I’ve decided to withdraw from the (Ningbo) tournament,” Swiatek said in a statement.
“I’ve been experiencing an ongoing problem with my left thigh over the past weeks and I feel giving myself the time to rest and recover is the right decision.”
The ninth-ranked Pole reached the Wuhan semi-finals last week, losing to compatriot and Roland Garros finalist Maja Chwalinska.
Seven of the eight IW Finals spots have been decided, with Swiatek lagging on ninth place and Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova, Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk and Swiatek all in the points race to fill out the final spot in the field.
