World number one Swiatek a non-starter at Madrid Open
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Women's tennis world number one Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the Madrid Open due to begin on Thursday saying her "body needs rest" after a hectic schedule.
The 20-year-old Pole -- who became number one earlier this month on the retirement of Ashleigh Barty -- has won the last four tournaments she has played, the latest a straight sets demolition of Aryna Sabalenka last Sunday.
It is not the first time this season she has withdrawn from a tournament due to fatigue -- she pulled out of the Charleston event in early April.
"After intense last weeks and winning 4 titles in a row it's time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven't had a chance to handle it properly," she wrote in a statement posted on her Twitter account.
"I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm well and that's why, unfortunately, I have to withdraw from the Madrid Open.
"My body needs rest."
Swiatek added she looked forward to competing in the upcoming Rome tournament -- which starts on May 9 -- and the French Open which she won in 2020.