Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open; Delays her start of 2025 season

Two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep pulled out of the upcoming Australian Open 2025, slated to take place in mid-January in Melbourne. The star player has pulled out from a qualifying round and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, due to severe pain in her knee and shoulder and the recent interruption of her comeback from a drug ban case. The Romanian-born star took to social media and revealed that she was feeling poorly after her recent performances at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.

She revealed that she has discussed everything with her team and agreed to this decision of not taking part in the 2025 Australia Open. The 33-year-old further revealed that she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open on her home turf, set to kick off on February 3.

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Meanwhile, just a few days ago, the Romanian was granted a wildcard entry for qualifying in the Australian Open 202205. She ended her journey as a runner-up at Melbourne Park back in 2018 and won major titles at the French Open in 2018 before winning Wimbledon in 2019. The star player has been ranked one but now stands at the 877th spot and hasn't played any Grand Slam since 2022 after being indulged in the doping case.

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I'm sorry I won't be able to take them this time: Simona Halep

"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 I wanted but I 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," she posted on social media.

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