Why Swiatek is ending her 'most demanding' season now

Six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has decided to end her demanding season early, citing it as one of the most challenging periods of her career. The Polish tennis player pulled out of the Ningbo Open on Tuesday due to a thigh injury, which led her to announce her intention to rest and recover for an extended period before returning in 2027.

Swiatek, who has yet to win a Grand Slam title for the first time since 2021, now sits at ninth in the rankings. Her most recent Grand Slam victory was at Wimbledon last year, and she secured one WTA title this season - the Canadian Open in August. With a 42-16 win-loss record, Swiatek concludes 2026 with a record of 16 losses, marking a significant change from previous seasons.

She lost her most recent match against fellow Pole Maja Chwalinska in the Wuhan Open semi-finals, her fourth defeat in 23 matches. Swiatek expressed pride in her second-half-of-year performance, attributing the progress to her return to form. Her decision to end the season early was not surprising, given her withdrawal from the Ningbo Open.

This appears to be a strategic move to maintain her mental well-being and return stronger in 2027. Swiatek's journey this year has been marked by flux and frustration, with recent coaching changes and emotional outbursts on court. Despite challenges, she remains resilient, stating that she might take an extended vacation to recharge before her next campaign.