PARIS (AFP) – World No. 3 Simona Halep has pulled out of subsequent week’s Qatar Open, organisers of the WTA occasion introduced on Tuesday (Feb 23).
The Romanian’s withdrawal follows her Australian Open quarter-final loss to Serena Williams.
“Sadly I’ve determined to withdraw, I am unable to wait to be again in Doha subsequent 12 months,” organisers quoted her as saying on Instagram.
She gave no motive for her absence from the March 1-6 event.
With Halep lacking the highest seeds in Qatar are world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, and Sofia Kenin, fourth on this planet and winner of the Australian Open in 2020.
At Melbourne Halep, 29, was thwarted by Williams in her bid for a maiden triumph on the 12 months’s opening Grand Slam after falling quick to Caroline Wozniacki within the 2018 decider, and shedding in straight units to Garbine Muguruza in final 12 months’s semi-finals.
The 2018 French Open champion and 2019 Wimbledon winner’s seven-year streak within the prime 10 is the longest energetic run amongst girls.
