Defending champion Iga Swiatek withdraws from China Open

World number one Iga Swiatek has pulled out of the China Open due to personal reasons.

“Due to personal matters, I’m forced to withdraw from the China Open in Beijing. I’m very sorry as I had an amazing time playing and winning this tournament last year and was really looking forward to being back there.

“I know that the fans will experience great tennis there and I’m sorry I won’t be a part of it this time,” she added.

Swiatek defeated Liudmila Samsonova 6-2, 6-2 in the tournament last year.

Poland’s Swiatek missed the ongoing Korea Open having cited fatigue.

China Open will take place between September 23 to October 6.