World number one and defending champion Iga Swiatek has pulled out of the upcoming China Open in Beijing for personal reasons.
Swiatek and the WTA Tour announced her decision on Friday.
“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,” Swiatek said.
“I’m sorry I won’t be a part of it this time.”
This year, Swiatek has won four out of the eight WTA 1000-level events she played, but her last match was two weeks ago at the U.S. Open, where she lost to Jessica Pegula in the quarterfinals.
Swiatek also withdrew from this week’s Korea Open in Seoul because of fatigue.
Other players who will not participate in the China Open include ninth-ranked Maria Sakkari, who has a shoulder injury, and Danielle Collins, who is ill.
U.S. Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will be the top seed in Beijing, having reached the quarterfinals twice in her three appearances. U.S. Open runner-up Pegula is expected to be the second seed.
