China Open: Simona Halep to compete despite chronic back issue which forced her to retire in last tournament in Wuhan
If fully fit, Simona Halep will be among the favourites next week in the China Open, where Serena Williams will not play because of a knee issue.
-
Simona Halep will compete at China Open, days after retiring from the Wuhan Open with a back problem.
-
If fully fit, the 28-year-old Romanian will be among the favourites next week in the Chinese capital.
-
Serena Williams will not play at the China Open because of a knee issue.
Beijing: Wimbledon champion Simona Halep said on Saturday that she will compete at the China Open in Beijing, days after retiring from the Wuhan Open with a back problem.
If fully fit, the 28-year-old Romanian will be among the favourites next week in the Chinese capital, where Serena Williams will not play because of a knee issue.
File image of Simona Halep. Image courtesy: Twitter @WTA
Halep, a former world number one, was forced out of the Wuhan third round on Wednesday, saying she had a muscle issue in the lower part of her back.
She suffered a herniated disc in Beijing a year ago, bringing an early end to her 2018 season.
"The back is better, is getting better and I'm having treatment every day," said Halep, who plays a qualifier in her Beijing opener.
"I had two days off and today I practised. In my opinion, I can play tomorrow."
"You never know with the back, every tournament starts with the back (issue) because I had problems since 2008," she added.
"So it's normal to have tough periods."
Halep, the Wimbledon holder and 2018 French Open champion, twice finished the year number one in the world.
She is now sixth, but said that being top of the rankings was not her primary concern.
"My goal is to win Grand Slams and also tournaments," Halep said.
Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison.
also read
Australian Open 2021: Rafael Nadal's coach Carlos Moya to miss tournament due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
Nadal is aiming to clinch a 21st major title in Melbourne, which would put him ahead of Federer's 20 as the most successful men's player of all time.
Delray Beach Open: Cristian Garin, John Isner top seeds for ATP tour opener
Garin, ranked 22nd, and top-ranked American John Isner, 25th overall, lead a 28-player field at the start of a revamped schedule that will not return to US soil until the Miami Open in March.
Tennis in 2021: COVID-19 questions remain key; Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic eye records
Nadal can break a tie with Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam singles titles for a man after matching him with No. 20 at the French Open in October; by March, Djokovic can surpass Federer's record for most weeks at No. 1 in the ATP rankings