MADRID, April 26 -- Iga Swiatek was forced to retire in the third round of the Madrid Open on Saturday due to a viral illness, while reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka extended her winning run to 14 matches.

A champion in the Spanish capital in 2024, Swiatek rebounded from a one-set deficit against American 31st seed Ann Li to level the contest but put an end to proceedings while down 0-3 in the decider.

The Polish six-time Grand Slam champion asked for the doctor after getting broken early in the third set and got her vitals checked.

She tried to break Li back but when her opponent held for a 3-0 advantage, the fourth seed realised she was unable to continue.

She revealed after the match that she has been fighting a stomach virus for ...