Simona Halep recently returned from a drugs ban (Image: Getty)
Simona Halep has been forced to pull out of next month’s Australian Open due to injury.
Halep had been handed a four-year ban from tennis for doping offences, which was reduced to nine months following an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
In a statement released on social media, Halep said: “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 is sensible to delay the start of my season. It’s not what l wanted but l would like to thank the tournament organisers in Auckland and Australia for the wild cards and I’m sorry I won’t be able to take them this time.
“I will rest up and intend for my next event to be Cluj, where I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing Romanian fans.”
Halep had been handed a wildcard entry for the Australian Open, having recently come back from a drugs ban.
The Romanian’s ban had been reduced back in March allowing her to return to action immediately, with the Australian Open the first wildcard she’d been offered since.
Halep had previously made it to the competition’s final back in 2018, but she lost out to Caroline Wozniacki back in the championship match.
It was set to be Halep’s first Grand Slam appearance since the 2022 US Open when the Constanta-born ace crashed out in the first round.
Speaking on her excitement about returning to Melbourne for the Australian Open, Halep had said: “The thought of returning to Australia after three years is exciting and I’m very grateful to the tournament for this opportunity.
“I have been working hard to get ready for the 2025 season,” Halep said after receiving the qualifying wildcard.
“The Australian Open has provided me with some of the best moments in my career, so I can’t wait to be back in Melbourne and playing in front of the Aussie fans.”
The Australian Open begins on Sunday 12th January.
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