Iga Świątek’s Madrid Open campaign ended abruptly on Saturday when the Polish star retired from her third-round match against Ann Li after appearing unwell and receiving medical attention during the deciding set. Li was leading 7-6(4), 2-6, 3-0, 0-30 when the match was halted, handing the American one of the biggest wins of her season and a place in the last 16.
The retirement was a jarring moment in a tournament where Świątek had arrived as one of the main contenders on clay. Listed as the No. 4 seed, her early exit removes one of the biggest names from the women’s draw far sooner than expected.
Li, ranked No. 39 in the tournament field, had already shown strong form in Madrid. She progressed confidently through the earlier rounds and remained composed in a stop-start contest that shifted sharply between sets before Świątek’s physical issues brought it to an end.
For Świątek, the result marks another setback in a season that has yet to fully meet her usual standards. The Madrid Open was seen as an important opportunity to build momentum during the clay swing.
There is, however, a bigger concern than rankings or results—her fitness. With the Italian Open and Roland Garros approaching, attention will quickly turn to whether this was a short-term illness or something more serious. Early indications suggest she was unwell rather than dealing with a long-term injury.
