Tennis News: Just two weeks before Wimbledon, Iga Swiatek withdraws due to ‘physical and mental fatigue’

Amidst thunderous cheers, Iga Swiatek has once again won the gold medal at the French Open. The world number one has consolidated her number one position with her fourth French Open title and subsequent WTA title, but first, there is a worrying situation for fans. The Polish tennis player recently revealed how she succumbed to physical and mental fatigue after long hours of swinging on the clay court.

The five-time Grand Slam champion announced her withdrawal from the EcoTrans Ladies Open in Berlin in a statement released at the WTA event. Iga Swiatek stressed that she had given the decision a lot of thought, and underlined the importance of prioritizing her health and recovery.

She said: “After nine weeks of intense training, due to overall physical and mental fatigue, I unfortunately have to withdraw from the tournament in Berlin to rest and recuperate.” She made history by becoming the youngest woman to win three consecutive Roland Garros singles titles, and it was her third consecutive Hologic WTA Tour title this season.

The win capped her nearly perfect clay-court season. She finished with a 21-1 record and 19 consecutive wins. She became just the second woman to win the Madrid Open, Internazionale BNL and French Open in the same season, despite physical setbacks.

However, Italian Jasmine Paolini, who was the runner-up at the French Open, was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a right knee injury. Fortunately, Tamara Korpacz will be filling in for her. Paolini’s withdrawal means that she and her partner Laura Siegemund cannot play in doubles.

Then, despite winning another major title, the world number one was disappointed at the end of the tournament — not because of the rules or the game, but because of the trophy she received.

Iga Swiatek unhappy with French Open trophy

Despite winning her fourth French Open title this weekend, Iga Swiatek is not impressed with Roland Garros. Despite adding another Suzanne Lenglen Cup to her collection, she couldn’t hide her disappointment. When Iga Swiatek was handed the silverware, she removed the lid, peered inside and smiled disappointingly when she found it empty.

To her surprise, there was an Italian tiramisu pudding hidden inside. She famously said: “Wow, who did that? Thank you guys, I really appreciate it.” But French organisers have yet to add sweets to the trophy, and Swiatek laughed, before turning somber as she realised that no such joy would come with the award.

Still, what do you think about the world’s number one idea? Let us know in the comments section below.