Former world No. 1 Simona Halep will play her first match since May at the upcoming Hong Kong 125 Open.
The two-time Grand Slam champion was cleared to compete earlier this year after her initial four-year ban for an anti-doping violation was reduced to nine months in March. After an absence of more than 18 month, she made her comeback at the Miami Open, but it proved to be a tough return as Halep fell to Paula Badosa in the first round.
Her second attempt at a return came at the Trophée Clarins in Paris, where she led 7-5 2-3 against American McCartney Kessler. Unfortunately, Halep was forced to retire due to a knee injury. Despite receiving wildcards for the Oeiras and Madrid tournaments, she withdrew from both events after assessing her fitness and recognizing that her knee pain had not subsided. The decision sparked some criticism from fellow players, but Halep opted for caution as she prioritized long-term recovery over rushing her return.
Now, the Romanian star is set to make her latest comeback attempt, entering the Hong Kong 125 Open with a wildcard. She’ll face Australia’s Arina Rodionova in the first round, looking for her first win since rejoining the tour following the doping scandal. The tournament, which runs from September 30 to October 6, offers Halep another chance to regain her form and rebuild her confidence on the court.