Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open with knee, shoulder pain

Simona Halep Withdraws from Australian Open Qualifying and Auckland Tournament Due to Injury

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has announced her withdrawal from the Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, citing pain in her knee and shoulder. This setback comes as the latest interruption in her comeback following a drug suspension.

On Thursday, Halep took to social media to share her decision, revealing that she had been feeling unwell after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. “After discussing with my team at length, we agreed it is sensible to delay the start of my season,” Halep wrote. “It’s not what I wanted.”

The 33-year-old Romanian has now set her sights on the Transylvania Open in her home country, with the event scheduled to begin on Feb. 3. This strategic move allows her more time to recover and prepare for her upcoming competitions.

Despite being granted a wild-card entry for Australian Open qualifying last week, Halep has decided to prioritize her health and well-being. Known for her impressive track record at major tournaments, including being the runner-up at Melbourne Park in 2018 and winning titles at the French Open and Wimbledon, Halep has faced challenges in recent years.

Having previously held the top ranking in women’s tennis, Halep’s current ranking has dropped to 877th due to her absence from Grand Slam events since 2022. Following a doping case that led to her missing all tournaments for 1 1/2 years, she is now focused on making a strong return to the sport.

With Australian Open qualifying set to kick off on Jan. 6 and the main draw starting on Jan. 12, Halep’s decision to withdraw highlights the importance of prioritizing her long-term health and performance. Fans and supporters will be eagerly awaiting her return to the court when she is fully ready to compete at the highest level.