Simona Halep Withdraws from Australian Open, Delays 2025 Season Start Due to Injury
Simona Halep, the former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion, announced on Thursday that she will skip the 2025 Australian Open and delay her season start due to recurring pain in her knee and shoulder.
Halep, who had been granted a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifying tournament, also withdrew from a planned tune-up event in Auckland. The 33-year-old Romanian last competed at the World Tennis League exhibition in Abu Dhabi, where her injury concerns resurfaced.
Halep’s Statement
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Halep expressed her disappointment:
“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.”
Halep also thanked tournament organizers in Auckland and Australia for the wildcards, adding:
“I’m sorry I won’t be able to take them this time.”
Plans for Return
Halep revealed she intends to return to competitive tennis at her home tournament in Cluj, Romania, scheduled for early February.
A Career Interrupted
Halep’s career has faced significant disruptions in recent years:
- 2022 Suspension: Halep was provisionally suspended in October 2022 after testing positive for roxadustat, a banned drug that stimulates red blood cell production, during the U.S. Open.
- Lengthy Ban: Initially handed a four-year ban, Halep successfully appealed, reducing her suspension to nine months in March 2023.
- Denial of Intentional Doping: Halep has consistently denied knowingly taking the banned substance, attributing the positive test to contaminated supplements.
Past Australian Open Success
Halep has a strong history at the Australian Open, finishing as the runner-up in 2018, when she lost to Caroline Wozniacki in a memorable final. Her withdrawal is a blow to both fans and tournament organizers who were eager to see her return to form.
As Halep focuses on recovery, the tennis world awaits her return to the court, hopeful that the 2019 Wimbledon champion can regain her competitive edge and make a successful comeback in 2025.
