On April 2, 2025, world number two tennis player Iga Świątek announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, scheduled to take place in her home country of Poland. Świątek conveyed through her social media channels that she requires additional time to focus on herself and, consequently, will not represent the national team in matches against Switzerland and Ukraine from April 10 to 12 in Radom.
In her statement, Świątek acknowledged that this news might disappoint fans, particularly those in Poland, but emphasized that it is the right decision for her at this time. She expressed her support for her teammates, stating, “Now it’s time for more balance, focusing on myself and my training. I keep my fingers crossed for the girls and the whole team.”
This development follows Świątek’s recent quarter-final exit at the Miami Open, where she was defeated by 19-year-old Alexandra Eala from the Philippines. Notably, during this tournament, Świątek competed under heightened security measures after experiencing verbal abuse from a spectator during a prior practice session.
Earlier in her career, in August 2024, Świątek faced a provisional suspension after testing positive for trimetazidine, a banned substance. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) later determined that the substance entered her system through a contaminated medication used for jet lag and sleep issues, resulting in a one-month suspension. Świątek expressed relief at proving her innocence, describing the sanction as “a symbolic suspension.”
Świątek’s decision to withdraw from the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers underscores her commitment to personal well-being and training. As she steps back from national team duties, the Polish squad will need to adjust their strategies in the upcoming matches without their top player.
