Iga Swiatek Withdraws from Ningbo Open With Thigh Injury

Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the Ningbo Open in China due to a persistent left thigh injury, bringing an end to her hopes of qualifying directly for the 2026 WTA Finals. The Polish star has been replaced in the tournament draw by Anastasia Zakharova.

The former world No. 1 said she had been dealing with discomfort in her left thigh for several weeks and decided that taking time to rest and recover was the right course of action. The same issue affected her during last week’s Wuhan Open, where she lost to compatriot Maja Chwalinska in the semifinals.

Swiatek’s withdrawal leaves her unable to secure one of the eight automatic places at the season-ending WTA Finals, scheduled to take place from November 8 to 15 in Indian Wells. She currently sits ninth in the year-end race and could still feature as an alternate if one of the qualified players withdraws.

Karolina Muchova remains in a strong position to claim the final qualifying spot, while Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk is also in contention. Kostyuk’s results in Ningbo and at next week’s Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo could prove decisive in the race for the remaining place.