On April 25, 2026, the Madrid Open saw a surprising turn of events as Iga Swiatek, the reigning champion and currently ranked fourth in the world, withdrew from her match against Ann Li due to an undisclosed illness. The match, taking place in the round of 32, took an unexpected turn when Swiatek was forced to retire while trailing at 7-6 (4), 2-6, 3-0.
The Polish tennis star had shown tenacity earlier in her campaign by securing a straight-sets victory over Daria Snigur in the second round. However, during her encounter with Li, Swiatek required a medical timeout after losing two games in the final set. While she attempted to continue her fight on the court, the situation proved too challenging, and she ultimately decided to exit the match after Li maintained her serve.
For Ann Li, whose current ranking stands at 34, this victory marked her second career win against a top-10 player. This victory not only advances her in the tournament but also serves as a significant boost to her confidence. Li is now set to compete against Leylah Fernandez in the next round, looking to continue her impressive form.
Swiatek’s withdrawal is certainly a blow to her campaign, as she sought to defend her title at this prestigious event. The circumstances surrounding her health remain unclear, and tennis fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for the talented competitor.
