Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open qualifying because of knee and shoulder pain
Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder
By AP News
Published - Dec 26, 2024, 08:52 AM ET
Last Updated - Dec 26, 2024, 08:52 AM EST
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, on Thursday because of pain in her knee and shoulder, the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension.
Halep posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.
“After discussing with my team at length, we agreed it is sensible to delay the start of my season,” Halep wrote. “It's not what I wanted.”
The 33-year-old Romanian said she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open in her home country, where play begins Feb. 3.
