Auckland
Injured Halep pauses Oz comeback to tennis
Injured Simona Halep on Friday pulled the plug on her hopes of returning to tennis, with the former No. 1 pulling out of next month’s qualifying for the Australian Open.
The Romanian had been awarded a qualies wild card by Tennis Australia but will be unable to make the date due to her continuing shoulder injury.
Halep, back from a doping ban after appeal, returned to active tennis last spring but has barely lifted a racquet.
The two-time Grand Slam winner explained her situation.
“After playing (training) in Abu Dhabi, unfortunately I felt pain, once again, in my knee and shoulder.,” she said.
“After discussing it with my team, we have therefore decided to postpone the start of the season.
“It is not what I wanted, but I would still like to thank the tournament organizers in Auckland (WTA) and Australia (qualifying) for the wildcards and I am very sorry that I cannot be with you this time.
“I will rest with the intention of returning for the tournament in Cluj, where I will play in front of the fantastic Romanian fans”.
The Romanian event will begin February 3.