Iga Swiatek withdraws from Madrid Open: Who are the new favourites?

World number one Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open due to a right shoulder injury. 

The 20-year-old has been in remarkable form of late –– winning four titles in a row and currently riding a 23 match winning streak. 

Swiatek was the overwhelming favourite to win again in Madrid this week but has now revealed that her “body needs rest” ahead of the French Open next month. 

In a statement on Twitter, Swiatek stressed that it’s time for her to take a rest, but that she hopes to be back in time to play in Rome. 

“After [an] intense last [few] weeks and winning four titles in a row, it’s time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven’t had a chance to handle it properly. 

“I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm well and that’s why, unfortunately, I have to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open. 

“My body needs rest. I’m going to take some time to prepare for Rome and Paris. See you [there] soon. Hopefully, I will play in Madrid many times in the future –– [I’m] looking forward to it.”