Iga Swiatek's physio told her 'three times to stop' during Wuhan semi-final defeat

Swiatek endured a difficult encounter against compatriot Maja Chwalinska, with the six-time Grand Slam champion visibly uncomfortable throughout the match.

She was seen crying during a medical timeout as her team attempted to help her manage the problem, but she remained on court before losing the second set 6-1.

Her decision to continue competing attracted criticism, with some observers questioning whether she should have withdrawn and whether Ryszczuk ought to have taken a firmer stance.

Responding to the allegations in a post on X, Ryszczuk insisted that he had repeatedly advised Swiatek to end the match. He rejected suggestions that he had encouraged her to play through her discomfort, stressing that the ultimate decision to continue rested with the player herself.

"Please stop talking nonsense, I told her three times to stop the match because it's bad for her health," he wrote on X.

"She made the decision herself to continue playing, and since she made that one, I support her as much as I can."

Swiatek's physical problems had reportedly been a concern before the semi-final, with the Polish star later revealing that she had considered withdrawing from the tournament following her second-round match. 

READ MORE: Wuhan Open: Maja Chwalinska overcomes Sonay Kartal to clinch maiden WTA title