Simona Halep withdraws From Australia Open As She issues ‘little update’ following Australian Open setback

Simona Halep has withdrawn from Australian Open qualifying following a new injury setback.

The former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion had initially been granted a wildcard for the qualifying rounds in Melbourne, aiming to make a strong return after her suspension. Halep had resumed her career in March at the Miami Open, after her four-year doping ban was reduced to nine months on appeal. However, since her return, she has struggled with injuries, managing only four matches in three official events, including an opening-round defeat to Paula Badosa in Miami.

Recently, Halep competed in the World Tennis League exhibition event, facing top players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Elena Rybakina. Unfortunately, after experiencing pain in her knee and shoulder during her matches in Abu Dhabi, she has decided to pull out of both the Australian Open and the Auckland Open.

Halep shared an update with her fans, saying, “Hi guys, I wanted to wish you all happy holidays and provide a little update. After playing in Abu Dhabi, unfortunately I felt pain in my knee and shoulder once again. After discussing with my team at length, we agreed it’s sensible to delay the start of my season. It’s not what I wanted, but I would like to thank the tournament organizers in Auckland and Australia for the wildcards and I’m sorry I won’t be able to take them this time.”

She added that she plans to rest and make her next appearance at the Transylvania Open in Cluj, where she looks forward to playing in front of her Romanian fans.

Halep, who has won 24 WTA singles titles and spent 67 weeks as world No. 1, is currently ranked 877th as she continues her comeback. Her next scheduled event in Cluj begins on February 3rd, a tournament where she was a finalist in its inaugural edition in 2021.