Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the BNB Ningbo Open with a left thigh injury, ending her 2026 season before she could take the court as the tournament’s second seed.
The world No. 9 had remained in the chase for the final singles qualification place at the WTA Finals, but chose recovery over a late-season return. Alternate Anastasia Zakharova takes Swiatek’s position in the Ningbo draw.
Quick facts
- Event: BNB Ningbo Open
- Seed: No. 2
- Reason for withdrawal: ongoing left thigh problem
- Replacement in draw: Anastasia Zakharova
- Season record: 39 wins, 15 losses
- Title won: Toronto
Swiatek said the thigh issue had persisted for several weeks and that rest was now necessary. “Giving myself the time to rest and recover is the right decision,” she said, while thanking the organizers and fans who had hoped to see her in Ningbo.
The same injury troubled her during last week’s Wuhan semifinal defeat to Maja Chwalinska. Swiatek said she hopes to return to Ningbo next season.
In a later message confirming that she would not play another tournament this year, Swiatek described the campaign as one of the toughest of her career. She pointed to the challenges, changes and lessons of the season, while saying the improvements made in its second half gave her confidence for what comes next.
After an intense stretch spanning recent months and, in her view, the past couple of years, Swiatek said she needs a longer period to fully restore her body. Her 2026 record closes at 39-15, highlighted by the Toronto title.
