(VIDEO) Tearful Iga Swiatek forced to retire in Madrid as illness halts comeback
WTASaturday, 25 April 2026 at 18:10
Iga Swiatek’s Madrid Open campaign ended in abrupt fashion after the world No. 4 was forced to retire during her third-round match against Ann Li. The Pole had her vitals checked by a doctor mid-match before ultimately deciding she could not continue, trailing 6-7(4), 6-2, 0-3 at the time of her withdrawal.
The match had initially followed a competitive pattern, with Li edging a tight opening set in a tiebreak before Swiatek responded emphatically in the second. However, the physical demands of the contest, combined with the high temperatures in Madrid, began to take a visible toll on the 24-year-old during the deciding set.
Swiatek required a medical intervention early in the third set, sitting courtside with her head in her hands before receiving attention from both the trainer and a doctor. After briefly resuming play, her condition did not improve, and she stopped again shortly after falling behind on serve.
Her retirement marks a significant setback in her clay-court season, particularly given her dominant first-round performance earlier in the week and her ongoing pursuit of a first clay-court title since Roland Garros 2024.
Match trajectory shifts after physical struggles emerge
The contest opened with both players trading breaks, but Li proved more composed in the key moments of the first set. The American saved two set points and eventually closed the tiebreak 7-4, capitalising on Swiatek’s unforced errors while maintaining consistency from the baseline.
Swiatek’s response in the second set was decisive. She raised her level significantly, dictating rallies with heavier groundstrokes and reducing her error count. The 6-2 scoreline reflected a shift in momentum, with the Pole appearing to regain control of the match heading into the decider.
That control quickly dissipated. An early break in the third set put Li ahead, and Swiatek’s movement and shot tolerance visibly declined. After a forehand error handed over the break, she requested medical assistance, signalling the first clear indication that physical issues were affecting the outcome.
Swiatek was not able to won titles during the 2025 clay-swing
Medical intervention and retirement confirm setback
Following the medical timeout, Swiatek briefly returned to the court, but the interruption did not alter the trajectory of the match. Li consolidated the break comfortably to move 3-0 ahead, while Swiatek’s condition appeared to worsen, particularly during service games.
The Pole stopped again shortly after, trailing 0-30 on serve, before making the decision to retire. She was seen in tears as she left the Arantxa Sánchez Stadium, underlining the emotional impact of the situation alongside the physical difficulty she was experiencing.
The official reason for the retirement was cited as a gastrointestinal illness. The withdrawal halts Swiatek’s progression in Madrid and delays her attempt to end a clay-court title drought that stretches back to her 2024 Roland Garros triumph.
Ann Li capitalises to reach milestone and set up next test
For Ann Li, the result represents a significant milestone. The American advances to the fourth round of a WTA 1000 event for the first time in her career, securing the highest-ranked victory of her professional career in the process.
It is her second Top 10 win overall, and notably her first since defeating Anett Kontaveit at the 2022 Miami Open. The performance builds on her previous success against Swiatek, having also beaten the Pole at this tournament in the past.
Li now moves on to face Leylah Fernandez, who progressed after a three-set win over Iva Jovic. While the circumstances of the victory were not conventional, Li’s composure in key moments—particularly in the opening set—proved decisive in positioning her to take advantage of the situation.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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