“Simona Halep Withdraws from Australian Open Qualifying Due to Injury: Former World Number One Delays 2025 Season Start”
Simona Halep, 33, has withdrawn from the Australian Open qualifying rounds and delayed the start of her 2025 season due to knee and shoulder pain. The former world number one, who recently had her four-year doping ban reduced to nine months, always maintained her innocence regarding the doping charges. Despite receiving a wildcard for the Australian Open, Halep experienced discomfort after participating in the World Tennis League event in Abu Dhabi.
Now the former French Open and Wimbledon champion aims to re-establish herself on tour, though injuries continue to challenge her comeback. Halep announced on Instagram, “After discussing with my team at length, we agreed it is sensible to delay the start of my season.” She will also miss the Auckland Classic, a key warm-up event for the Australian Open.