Former world No 1 Karolina Pliskova has withdrawn from her Dubai quarterfinal match against Iga Swiatek due to a virus and cramps. Pliskova, 30, was in action on Wednesday at the Dubai Tennis Championships as she defeated Anhelina Kalinina 7-5 6-7 (6) 6-2.

After winning her first three matches in Dubai, Pliskova was scheduled to play top-seeded Swiatek in the quarterfinal. “I’m very sorry, but I have to withdraw from the @DDFTennis. After playing the finals here a few years ago and doing very well this year, it’s very disappointing for me.

But after struggling with a virus and cramps for couple hours right after my match, I’m not able to continue,” Pliskova announced on Twitter.

I’m very sorry, but I have to withdraw from the @DDFTennis. After playing the finals here a few years ago and doing very well this year, it’s very disappointing for me.

But after struggling with a virus and cramps for couple hours right after my match, I’m not able to continue. pic.twitter.com/x5oFIZMuoJ — Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) February 22, 2023

Pliskova withdraws from the Swiatek match

Before withdrawing, Pliskova clinched a few notable wins in Dubai.

In her opener at the tournament, Pliskova defeated Tokyo Olympics runner-up Marketa Vondrousova 6-3 6-4. After beating Vondrousova, Pliskova destroyed world No 7 Maria Sakkari 6-1 6-2. Then, Pliskova outlasted Kalinina to set up her second meeting against Swiatek.

At a WTA 1000 event in Rome in 2021, Swiatek absolutely destroyed Pliskova 6-0 6-0. Unfortunately, tennis fans won’t have a chance to see a second Pliskova and Swiatek match this week in Dubai. With Pliskova out of Dubai, Swiatek has been through to the semifinal.

Last week, Swiatek clinched her first title of the season in Doha. Now, Swiatek is two wins away from winning back-to-back titles and her first title in Dubai. Last week, Swiatek lost just five games en route to winning Doha.

This week, Swiatek is also playing extremely well. After a first-round bye in Dubai, Swiatek dismantled Leylah Fernandez 6-1 6-1. On Wednesday, Swiatek ousted Liudmila Samsonova 6-1 6-0 to progress into the Doha quarterfinal.

With the Pliskova withdrawal, Swiatek automatically progressed into the semifinal. In the semifinal, Swiatek awaits the winner of the match between Cori Gauff and Madison Keys.