Iga Świątek has pulled out of next week’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tournament in Radom, central Poland, saying she needs time to ‘focus on myself and training.’
The 23-year-old was due to play for the Polish national team against Switzerland and Ukraine on April 10 to 12.
“I will not play in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tournament, which will be held in Radom,” Świątek wrote on social media.
“I always represent Poland with pride. Last year I played everything there was to play for the country. I am extremely proud of the historic successes - the BJKC semi-final and the UC [United Cup] final.
“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,” Świątek added.
The world No. 2 has not won a tournament in the first three months of this year for the first time in five years and has slipped further behind WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who holds a large 3,071 points over her.
Świątek was knocked out of the Miami Open last week by a 19-year-old ranked 140th in the world and appeared frustrated, openly criticizing her coaching team’s approach post-match.
In October she announced that she was parting ways with her long-term coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, expressing her desire to “take the next step” in her career.
The Polish line-up currently includes Magdalena Fręch (World No. 30), Magda Linette (No. 31), Maja Chwalińska (No. 128) and Katarzyna Kawa (No. 285).
The team could be depleted further as the Polish Press Agency (PAP) has reported that Fręch may also be absent.
The Billie Jean King Cup will take place in November in the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
In addition to the six winning teams from the qualifying tournaments, the Italians, who are defending the trophy, and the host team, China, will also compete.
“I will not play in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifying tournament, which will be held in Radom,” Świątek wrote on social media.
“I always represent Poland with pride. Last year I played everything there was to play for the country. I am extremely proud of the historic successes - the BJKC semi-final and the UC [United Cup] final.
“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,” Świątek added.
The world No. 2 has not won a tournament in the first three months of this year for the first time in five years and has slipped further behind WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who holds a large 3,071 points over her.
Świątek was knocked out of the Miami Open last week by a 19-year-old ranked 140th in the world and appeared frustrated, openly criticizing her coaching team’s approach post-match.
In October she announced that she was parting ways with her long-term coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, expressing her desire to “take the next step” in her career.
Polish line-up
The Polish line-up currently includes Magdalena Fręch (World No. 30), Magda Linette (No. 31), Maja Chwalińska (No. 128) and Katarzyna Kawa (No. 285).
The team could be depleted further as the Polish Press Agency (PAP) has reported that Fręch may also be absent.
The Billie Jean King Cup will take place in November in the Chinese city of Shenzhen.
In addition to the six winning teams from the qualifying tournaments, the Italians, who are defending the trophy, and the host team, China, will also compete.
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