LONDON — Both Iga Swiatek and Emma Raducanu have decided to step back from next week’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, marking a significant change for their teams.
While Poland prepares to host Switzerland and Ukraine in the round-robin qualifiers, Swiatek, currently ranked No. 2, announced on Wednesday that she made the “tough choice” to withdraw from the competition.
“I take immense pride in representing my country. Last year, I dedicated myself fully to this mission,” Swiatek expressed in her statement. “Now, it’s essential for me to find balance and concentrate on my personal growth and training.”
Swiatek’s decision comes on the heels of her recent defeat to wild card Alexandra Eala in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open last week. The five-time Grand Slam titleholder was also provided with extra security during the tournament after facing a distressing verbal incident with an individual who had harassed her online.
In related news, the Lawn Tennis Association of Britain confirmed on Wednesday that Raducanu has also withdrawn. The British team is set to face Germany and the Netherlands in The Hague.
