Iga Swiatek of Poland hits a forehand return to Bianca Andreescu of Canada (not in photograph) in their third round match at the 2023 WTA Indian Wells Open in Indian Wells, California, on March 13, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

Iga Swiatek said she has recovered from a rib injury and is ready to defend her Stuttgart Open title, though the world number one concedes she may be a bit rusty following a month-long absence.

The Pole, who is also gearing up for the start of her French Open title defence next month, withdrew ahead of the Miami Open and Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers due to the injury she sustained during her run to the Indian Wells semis last month.

"I'm not injured anymore, so that's the most important thing for me," the 21-year-old told reporters on Tuesday. "I feel like I used that time in Warsaw well to rest a little bit and to not think about tennis.

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Poland's Iga Swiatek looks on after her women's singles match against Jessica Pegula of the US in the semi-final of the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney on Jan 6, 2023. (SAEED KHAN / AFP)

"I have still been working out physically a little bit and obviously coming back to practising step by step. Here I am and I think I'm ready."

The three-times Grand Slam champion will begin her campaign at the WTA 500 claycourt event against China's Zheng Qinwen in the last 16 after receiving a bye in the first round.

"It's the first tournament on clay, so for sure I would love to play well, but I also know that I might be a little bit rusty because coming back from injury it's always a little bit like that," Swiatek added.

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"So I'm keeping my expectations low, but for sure I want to play the best tennis possible."