Swiatek has rib problems and will be tested ahead of Miami

Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday, March 17, 2023

When Iga Swiatek postponed her post-match press conference a few hours later than scheduled on Thursday after beating Sorana Kirstya in the quarter-finals at the BNP Paribas Open, many wondered what the problem might be.

Now we know.

The world No. 1 had a rib injury and when she took to the court in Friday’s blockbuster semi-final against Elena Rybakina, she wasn’t 100 percent fit.

She opened up to the press after Friday’s 6-2 6-2 loss to the Kazakhstani, saying, “I don’t feel 100 percent physically either. I have a slight discomfort in my rib and we are going to consult with the medical team. I make sure to use this pre-Miami weekend, so I actually have one more day to go.”

Asked to speak about the injury, Sviatek told reporters that she hoped to play in Miami, but was still not entirely sure of its seriousness.

“As far as the rib, you know, we’ll see because I still have to run some tests and see what’s going on. I don’t know yet,” she said.

When asked if the injury affected her game or weighed more on her thoughts, she replied: “It’s hard to say. To be honest, I haven’t played with a lot of injuries. This is a new situation for me, of course. The last time I played with an injury, the only tournament I can remember was Roland Garros 2019 – so I was quite young.

“Of course, you know, now it’s a completely different level. So I feel like you have to be 100 percent ready for matches.”