Swiatek pulls out of China Open

Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the upcoming China Open in Beijing due to personal reasons, she and the tournament announced on Friday.

The 23-year-old World No.1 and defending champion Swiatek lost just one set in Beijing en route to winning her sixth career WTA 1000 title in her tournament debut; after defeating then-US Open champion Coco Gauff’s 16-match winning streak in the semifinals, Swiatek defeated Liudmila Samsonova in the final.

“Due to personal matters, I’m forced to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing. I’m very sorry as I had an amazing time playing and winning this tournament last year and was really looking forward to being back there.

“I know that the fans will experience great tennis there and I’m sorry I won’t be a part of it this time.”

The China Open begins on Sept. 25. This year, the Pole has won four of the previous eight WTA 1000 events played, but last competed at the US Open. She also withdrew from this week’s Hana Bank Korea Open in Seoul citing fatigue.

While Swiatek and World No.9 Maria Sakkari (continuing shoulder injury) have both withdrawn from the field, the rest of the Top 10 in the PIF WTA Rankings are all expected to compete.

Reigning Australian Open and US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will be the top seed in Beijing, a tournament at which she has reached the quarterfinals twice in three career appearances, and US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula is expected to be seeded No.2.