Iga Swiatek has recovered from a rib harm and is able to defend her Stuttgart Open title, although the world No.1 concedes she could also be a bit rusty following a month-long absence.
The Pole, who can be gearing up for the beginning of her French Open title defence subsequent month, missed the Miami Open and Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers as a result of harm she sustained throughout her run to the Indian Wells semi-finals final month.
“I’m not injured anymore, so that’s the most important thing for me,” the 21-year-old instructed reporters on Tuesday.
“I feel like I used that time in Warsaw well to rest a little bit and to not think about tennis.
“I’ve nonetheless been understanding bodily slightly bit, and coming again to practising step-by-step. Here I’m and I’m prepared.”
The three-times grand slam champion will begin her campaign at the WTA 500 claycourt event against China’s Zheng Qinwen in the last-16 on Thursday after receiving a bye in the first round.
“It’s the primary match on clay,” Swiatek mentioned.
“I’d like to play nicely, however I additionally know that I may be slightly bit rusty as a result of getting back from harm it is at all times slightly bit like that.
“I’m keeping my expectations low, but for sure I want to play the best tennis possible.”
The match in Stuttgart is the primary for the reason that WTA introduced final week it might return to holding tournaments in China from September, having suspended operations there in 2021 following considerations over the whereabouts and security of Chinese participant Peng Shuai.
Asked concerning the WTA’s resolution to finish its boycott, Swiatek mentioned: “I just trust that the WTA is making the right decision.
“I hope that we, as gamers, might be protected it doesn’t matter what nation we’re from.
“I don’t have any kind of emotional influence because I have never even been to China. It’s hard for me to say anything, but I just hope that WTA is strategically making a good choice.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
