Injury rules Halep out of Australian Open

Simona Halep will not feature at the Australian Open due to injury.

The former world number one received a wildcard for qualifying from the tournament's organisers last week but encountered a problem during the World Tennis League exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Halep was given a four-year doping ban but it was reduced to nine months last year, with the Romanian having always protested her innocence.

"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 posted on her Instagram story.

Happy Slam @Simona_Halep See you soon! #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/1xEibhJOCX

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 18, 2024

The former French Open and Wimbledon champion is ranked 877 in the world and last played on the WTA Tour in October.

Halep hopes to make her return at her home event in Cluj in early February.

Qualifying for the Australian Open runs from January 6-9, with the tournament starting on 12 January.