Swiatek to skip USO mixed exhibition for rest

Iga Swiatek has pulled out of the US Open mixed doubles mini-tournament this week in order to rest for the actual tennis, with the Cincinnati semi-finalist citing the need to rest.

The exhibition-style mixed, which has drawn serious criticism from actual doubles players, is limited to “celebrity” singles players, leaving only the chance for the top two doubles players on the men’s and women’s sides to try and qualify in a Monday shootout.

Swiatek has had a busy hardcourt month, winning in Canada before reaching the Cincy final four where she lost to Jessica Pegula.

She and Casper Ruud reached the mixed final in New York a year ago, which comprises only 16 teams, uses abbreviated scoring to speed things along and lasts a scant two days.

“Looking back at a physically demanding few weeks on court and after speaking to my team,,” the work No. 5 Pole said in a statement.

 “I’ve decided it’s best for me to pass on mixed doubles at the US Open this year. Right now, I need a few days to rest, recharge and fully focus on preparing for the singles tournament.” 

Swiatek joined Daniil Medvedev in giving the hit-and-giggle sessions a miss prior to the start of the final major of the season and is playing the tuneup 250 event in North Carolina.