World No. 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek withdrawn from the Miami Open on Wednesday March 22 due to a rib injury, organizers and the player announced. “You remember that in Doha I suffered from a very strong infection “, Swiatek explained in a press release. “ I was able to play, but due to a violent fit of coughing, I injured my ribs. We managed to manage the situation and I continued to play as long as it was without consequences for my health. “. “ Since then, we have analyzed the data and my doctor finally gave his diagnosis. Unfortunately, I am still in pain, and I can no longer participate in the competition “, she continued. Swiatek had been sharply eliminated last week in the semi-finals of the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells by the Kazakh and future winner of the tournament, Elena Rybakina, and had then revealed to have been embarrassed ” at the ribs during the game.