Swiatek withdraws from Madrid Open after falling ill in match

MADRID (AP):

Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Madrid Open due to an unspecified illness while playing her round-of-32 match against American Ann Li yesterday.

Li got the walkover win when the fourth-ranked Swiatek withdrew with Li winning 7-6 (4), 2-6, 3-0.

Swiatek, the 2024 Madrid champion, required a medical timeout while down 2-0 in the deciding set. She returned to the court but called it quits after Li held serve.

The Polish star beat Daria Snigur in straight sets in her second-round opener on Thursday.

Li, who is ranked 34, recorded a second career win over a top-10 opponent. She will face Leylah Fernandez in the round of 16.