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Iga Swiatek was not able to speak to the media after reaching the Wuhan Open semi-finals. The No. 7 seed is the highest-ranked woman left in the tournament and has dropped only 13 games across her first three matches. She’s now due to face countrywoman Maja Chwalinska for a place in the championship match. But officials confirmed that she was feeling under the weather after beating Ann Li 6-4 6-1 on Friday, and Swiatek did not complete a press conference.
Journalist Reem Abulleil confirmed the news on X (formerly known as Twitter), writing: “Iga Swiatek felt ‘a bit unwell’ today and wasn’t able to do a press conference in Wuhan after her win over Ann Li but the tournament shared some quotes from her. Said her match against Li was ‘very positive’ and that she’s ‘very excited’ for her semi against Chwalinska.”
Swiatek did, however, address the crowd after beating Aryna Sabalenka’s conqueror, Li, in the quarter-finals. “I think it was a great match and we both were playing really good tennis with a lot of topspin, and I’m happy how I adjusted to the change of rhythm,” she said.
The six-time Major champion suffered a shock defeat to Li at the Madrid Open earlier this year, but managed to get her revenge in Wuhan. Swiatek added: “We already played this year, and I know she’s not an easy opponent.
“She’s playing really great tennis. I like her style, so I knew I needed to be on top of my game and really loosen up my hand and play fast and brave, and I’m happy I did that.”
Now, the seventh seed is looking forward to an all-Polish clash against French Open finalist Chwalinska. “For sure, it's great that we have two Polish players in the semi-finals. I think it means a lot to Polish tennis, so hopefully it’s going to be a nice match. I’m really happy for Maja, she for sure improved her game this year,” Swiatek said.
Chwalinska, meanwhile, is enjoying her best run since reaching the French Open final as a qualifier this spring. An injury wrecked her hopes at Wimbledon, but the world No. 22 has found her form again during the Asian swing.
She reached the semi-finals of the recent WTA 500 event in Singapore, and is now through to the last four in Wuhan. Before facing Swiatek, Chwalinska said: “I think it would be great for us and great for Polish tennis as well.
“It would be a great honour for me also because she's such a great champion, she's done almost everything in our sport.”
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