Unwell Iga Swiatek retires in third set of Madrid clash, as Ann Li secures best WTA 1000 result

Another marquee name exited the Mutua Madrid Open Saturday, as an unwell Iga Swiatek was unable to complete her match.

Ann Li led the 2024 champion, 7-6 (4), 2-6, 3-0, when Swiatek called it a day. The victory marked her first Top 10 win since the 2022 Miami Open, where she defeated Anett Kontaveit.

Swiatek had looked to take control of the contest once even on scoreboard, but fell behind an early break in the deciding set when her crosscourt forehand flew wide. The Pole then took a seat, burying her head in her hands having requested the trainer.

A doctor soon arrived to join the consultation, giving Swiatek medication before she resumed play. From there, Li successfully consolidated to open a 3-0 lead.

The world No. 4 then stopped down 0-30 on her serve. The exit means Swiatek will have to wait until the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome to resume her quest of ending a clay-court title drought dating back to 2024 Roland Garros.

As for Li, she’s through to the fourth round of a WTA 1000 tournament for the first time in her career. The 25-year-old next faces Leylah Fernandez, who rallied past Iva Jovic for a 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory. Li has won both of the pair’s prior meetings, including at this very event a year ago.