Iga Swiatek’s run to the Wuhan Open semi-finals represented the best of her career at this particular event, yet the tournament feels tinged with disappointment.
After all, given how the draw had opened up, it felt like a golden opportunity to go on and claim the title, adding another piece of WTA 1000 silverware to her cabinet.
In the end, her exit was through no fault of her own, but instead due to a failing physicality that had been present throughout the week.
Swiatek admitted she had been injured since her second-round match and was ready to retire, but instead persevered. During her loss to Maja Chwalinska, the six-time Grand Slam champion was pictured in tears as a physio worked on her.
So, with all this in mind, it’s shocking to see her having already travelled to Ningbo to compete in this week’s event.
Iga Swiatek should not be playing the Ningbo Open
It feels like the simplest and most obvious choice to have withdrawn from this event.
For whatever reason, Iga Swiatek remains present on the entry list and around the grounds.
Clearly, whatever was ailing her in Wuhan must have eased. However, it cannot have eased enough to justify playing another gruelling tournament just days after she was so emotional because of this injury.
Swiatek clearly is desperate to qualify for the WTA Finals, and with Karolina Muchova taking this week off, an opportunity has arisen.
It just doesn’t seem worth it for the Polish superstar to push so hard, especially when she is still quite some distance behind the Czech star.
And, she has already won the event before!
Her run to the 2023 title was one of the most dominant in the tournament’s history, and in doing so she retook the world number one spot from Aryna Sabalenka.
Whilst she is a far cry from such a level nowadays, forcing herself to compete through injury feels like the kind of mistake that could have severe consequences that would impact her long-term future.
Surely, if she is to play, her team must have done the necessary tests to confirm it is safe.