Ann Li secured her best WTA 1000 result after Iga Swiatek retired unwell in their Madrid clash. Swiatek, who was seen by a trainer and doctor, called the match down 0-3, 0-30 in the deciding set.
Swiatek’s Illness Leads to Retirement
Another top player exited the Mutua Madrid Open on Saturday when Iga Swiatek was unable to finish her match. Ann Li was ahead of the 2024 champion, 7-6 (4), 2-6, 3-0, when Swiatek retired.
Swiatek appeared to be taking control after levelling the match. However, she fell behind by an early break in the third set when her crosscourt forehand went wide. Swiatek then sat down, burying her head in her hands after requesting the trainer.
A doctor arrived to consult with Swiatek, giving her medication before she continued playing. Li then successfully consolidated to take a 3-0 lead.
The world No. 4 then stopped down 0-30 on her serve. Swiatek will now have to wait until the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome to continue her attempt to end a clay-court title drought dating back to 2024 Roland Garros.
Li Reaches Fourth Round
As for Li, she’s through to the fourth round of a WTA 1000 tournament for the first time in her career. The victory marked her first Top 10 win since the 2022 Miami Open, where she defeated Anett Kontaveit.
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.