Simona Halep sustained a very unfortunate setback at the start of the 2025 season as the Romanian won’t be able to play in Auckland next week or take part in the upcoming Australian Open.
After returning from a doping ban in March, the former world No. 1 was limited to just four tournaments in 2024 due to knee and shoulder issues.
However, everything appeared to be fine fine after the two-time Grand Slam champion signed up for the World Tennis League and then also received a main draw wildcard into Auckland and a qualifying wildcard into the Australian Open, respectively.
But after playing one singles and three doubles matches at the Abu Dhabi exhibition last week, Halep felt pain and discomfort in the same two problematic areas.
“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 is sensible to delay the start of my season,” the 33-year-old said in a message posted on her Instagram Story.
“It’s not what I wanted but I would like to thank the tournament organizers in Auckland and Australia for the wild cards and I’m sorry I won’t be able to take them this time.”
Halep hopes to return in Cluj-Napoca
The current world No. 877 intends to use the next month to try to recover from her lingering issues.
If everything goes well, the Romanian tennis star will kick off her season in front of her home fans at the Transylvania Open, which is due to take place between February 03-09.
“I will rest up and I intend for my next event to be Cluj, where I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing Romanian fans,” she added.
Simona Halep announcement© Simona Halep – Instagram
In 2021, Halep finished as runner-up to Anett Kontaveit in the Cluj-Napoca final.
Tennis World USA