MADRID — Iga Swiatek had to withdraw from the Madrid Open due to an undisclosed illness while competing against American Ann Li in her round-of-32 match on Saturday.
Li was awarded a walkover victory, with the score standing at 7-6 (4), 2-6, 3-0 when Swiatek pulled out of the match.
The reigning 2024 Madrid champion needed a medical timeout while trailing 2-0 in the deciding set. Although she returned to the court, she ultimately opted to retire after Li successfully held her serve.
Prior to this, Swiatek had a solid performance, defeating Daria Snigur in straight sets during her second-round match on Thursday.
Ranked 34th, Li celebrated her second career win against a top-10 player and is set to face Leylah Fernandez in the upcoming round of 16.
