WARSAW: World No. 1 Iga Swiatek has informed that she will miss the Miami Open and Billie Jean King Cup due to a rib injury brought about by an episode of coughing.
Last season, the 21-year-old lifted the trophy in Miami after beating Naomi Osaka in the final, but the Pole said she won't defend her title, a Xinhua report said.
"After Doha I was struggling with a strong infection. I was allowed to play, but a strong episode of coughing led to a rib injury. We were trying to handle it and continuing to play as long as it was safe for me, " Swiatek wrote in a statement released on Wednesday night.
"We were analyzing the data in recent days and my doctor prepared my diagnosis. Unfortunately, I'm still feeling a lot of discomfort and pain and I can't compete. I need to take a break to recover. I have to pull out of the Miami Open and Billie Jean King Cup, " she added.
It's not known when Swiatek will return to the tennis court. "It depends on my process of recovery and the recommendation of my medical team, " the tennis player explained.
The WTA ranking leader admitted that she is facing difficult moments.
"It's a truly difficult call not to play in Miami and Billie Jean King Cup, but health is the most important. Time to accept it and get well as soon as possible, " the Pole concluded.