A nagging injury may cost one of tennis’ biggest stars a place at the sport’s season finale. This time, the timing could hardly be worse.
Iga Swiatek withdrew from the Ningbo Open in China on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, because of an injury to her left thigh, hurting her chances of qualifying for the WTA Finals next month.
Why did Iga Swiatek withdraw?
She said in a statement shared by the tournament that she has been dealing with an ongoing problem in her left thigh for several weeks. After careful thought, she said, she decided that resting and recovering was the right choice. The tournament posted her statement on social media.
Iga Swiatek struggled at times in her last match, a semifinal loss to Maja Chwalinska at the Wuhan Open last week. Chwalinska went on to win the title, beating Sonay Kartal in the final. Swiatek had reached the quarterfinals at the China Open in Beijing earlier in the Asian swing. She entered Wuhan as the seventh seed and won her early matches comfortably, including a 6 to 2, 6 to 1 win over Magdalena Frech.
How does this affect the WTA Finals race?
It likely shifts the advantage to Karolina Muchova. Swiatek was one of three players competing for the final spot in the field of eight at the WTA Finals, along with Muchova and Marta Kostyuk.
According to the WTA, if Swiatek failed to reach the quarterfinals in Ningbo and Kostyuk does not reach the final there, Muchova will claim the last spot. Ranking points from this week’s events are the last chance for players to move into the top eight.
With Swiatek out, Kostyuk’s result in Ningbo now holds the key. A run to the final could keep her in the hunt, while an earlier exit would hand the spot to Muchova. Kostyuk, a Ukrainian player, would need to win several more matches this week.
Muchova, a former French Open finalist, was the sixth seed in Wuhan. Muchova has battled injuries throughout her career but has shown she can beat the best players when healthy.
When and where are the WTA Finals?
The WTA Finals begin Nov. 8 at Indian Wells, California. The event brings together the eight best singles players of the season based on ranking points earned throughout the year.
The tournament uses a group stage format, with players split into two groups before the top finishers advance to the semifinals. The group format means each player is guaranteed at least three matches.
Qualifying is considered a major achievement because it reflects consistent success over an entire season. The event also offers some of the largest prize money payouts of the year.
What does this mean for Iga Swiatek?
Missing the WTA Finals would mark a rare setback for one of the sport’s most accomplished players. Swiatek has won six major titles and spent long stretches ranked No. 1. She has also won an Olympic bronze medal.
She won the WTA Finals in 2023.
Her priority now appears to be getting healthy. A thigh injury can affect movement, which is central to Swiatek’s game built on speed and heavy topspin. Thigh strains can take several weeks to heal, depending on their severity.
Who else is playing in Ningbo?
The Ningbo Open continues this week without Swiatek. The Philippines’ Alex Eala advanced to the round of 16 after beating Diane Parry in her opening match. Eala’s next opponent will be either Yulia Putintseva or sixth seed Diana Shnaider.
For Iga Swiatek, the focus shifts to recovery and the 2027 season, unless results elsewhere open a door to the WTA Finals.
