MELBOURNE, Australia — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep pulled out of an Australian Open qualifier and tuneup event in Auckland, New Zealand, on Thursday due to knee and shoulder ache, the newest setback in her return from a drug suspension.
Halep posted on social media that she felt unhealthy after collaborating within the present in Abu Dhabi.
“After a protracted dialogue with my workforce, we agreed that it is smart to delay the beginning of my season,” Halep wrote. “That is not what I wished.”
The Romanian participant, 33, stated he plans to compete within the Transylvania Open in his residence nation, the place the event begins on February 3.
Final week, Halep was given the chance to enter the Australian Open. He was runner-up at Melbourne Park in 2018 and received majors on the French Open later that yr and at Wimbledon in 2019. He was ranked as excessive as No. Slam event from 2022 after lacking all tournaments for 1 1/2 years because of a doping case.
Australian Open qualifying begins on Jan. 6, and the massive draw begins on Jan. 12.
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