Former world number 1 Karolina Pliskova withdrew from her quarterfinal match in Dubai against Iga Swiatek due to a virus and cramps. Pliskova, 30, was in action on Wednesday at the Dubai Tennis Championships when she defeated Anhelina Kalinina 7-5 6-7(6) 6-2.
After winning her first three matches in Dubai, Pliskova was scheduled to play number one seed Swiatek in the quarterfinals. «I’m so sorry but I have to retire from @DDFTennis. After playing the finals here a few years ago and doing very well this year, it’s very disappointing for me.
But after struggling with a virus and cramps for a couple of hours right after my match, I can’t go on,» Pliskova announced on Twitter.
I’m so sorry, but I have to retire from the @DDFTennis. After playing the final here a few years ago and doing very well this year, it’s very disappointing for me.
But after struggling with a virus and cramps for a couple of hours right after my match, I can’t go on. pic.twitter.com/x5oFIZMuoJ — Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) February 22, 2023
Pliskova withdraws from Swiatek’s match
Before retiring, Pliskova scored some notable victories in Dubai.
In her tournament debut, Pliskova defeated Tokyo Olympics runner-up Marketa Vondrousova 6-3 6-4. After beating Vondrousova, Pliskova destroyed world number 7 Maria Sakkari 6-1 6-2. Pliskova then outlasted Kalinina to set up her second match against Swiatek.
At a WTA 1000 event in Rome in 2021, Swiatek absolutely destroyed Pliskova 6-0 6-0. Unfortunately, tennis fans won’t get the chance to see a second match between Pliskova and Swiatek this week in Dubai. With Pliskova out of Dubai, Swiatek has progressed to the semifinal.
Last week, Swiatek clinched his first title of the season in Doha. Now, Swiatek is two wins away from winning back-to-back titles and his first title in Dubai. Last week, Swiatek lost just five games en route to winning Doha.
This week Swiatek is also playing extremely well. After a first round bye in Dubai, Swiatek dismantled Leylah Fernandez 6-1 6-1. On Wednesday, Swiatek defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-1 6-0 to advance to the Doha quarterfinals.
With Pliskova’s withdrawal, Swiatek automatically advanced to the semifinal. In the semifinal, Swiatek awaits the winner of the match between Cori Gauff and Madison Keys.
