Iga Swiatek has recovered from a rib injury and is ready to defend her title in Stuttgart

Iga Swiatek has recovered from a rib injury and is ready to defend her title at the WTA 500 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, although the world’s No 1 admits she may not be in optimal form after a month out.

The Polish tennis player, who is also preparing to defend her French Open title next month, withdrew ahead of the WTA 1000 Miami Open and the Billie Jean King Cup because of the injury she suffered during the semi-finals in WTA 1000 Indian Wells Open in March.

“I’m not injured anymore, so that’s the most important thing. I think I used the time in Warsaw well to rest a bit and not think about tennis. I’m still not completely ready physically and I’m going back to training step by step. Here I am and I think I’m ready”, said the 21-year-old Polish tennis player.

The top-seeded Iga Swiatek will open her campaign at the WTA 500 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart on clay against Qinwen Zheng (China) after resting in the first round.

“It’s the first tournament on clay, so I’d certainly like to play well, but I also know that I might be a bit out of form because I’m coming back from injury. So my expectations are not high, but with I definitely want to play my best tennis”, said Iga Swiatek.

Iga Swiatek is three times Grand Slam champion and already more than a year on the top of the WTA ranking. She has a total of 12 career titles.