Former world number one Simona Halep has withdrawn from Australian Open qualifying and the Auckland Classic due to knee and shoulder pain experienced after competing in the World Tennis League exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian had recently received a wildcard entry from tournament organizers.
Halep, who was cleared to return to competition after her four-year doping ban was reduced to nine months, announced her decision on Instagram after consulting with her team. Currently ranked 877th in the world, the former French Open and Wimbledon champion plans to make her comeback at her home event in Cluj, Romania in early February.
The two-time Grand Slam winner, who finished runner-up at the 2018 Australian Open to Caroline Wozniacki, had maintained her innocence throughout the doping case. The Australian Open qualifying tournament is scheduled for January 6-9, with the main draw beginning January 12.
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How Faith Terim Has Transformed Al Shabab Into An Offensive Powerhouse
Al Shabab entered this Roshn Saudi League season with considerable optimism after showing promising signs under Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira during the final stretch of the previous campaign. Despite losing Croatia legend Ivan Rakitic, the Riyadh club retained talented Saudi prospect Musab Al Juwayr on loan. They strengthened their roster by signing RSL star Abderrazak Hamdallah, experienced Europeans Wesley Hoedt and Giacomo Bonaventura, and exciting winger Daniel Podence. These additions created what appeared to be a competitive squad. Al Shabab began impressively, securing seven wins and two draws in their opening 13 RSL matches. However, momentum halted when Pereira departed for the English Premier League in mid-December, leaving a significant void in the club's on-field leadership. The club rebounded by appointing former Turkey national team manager Fatih Terim, though adjustment took time. The team alternated between wins and losses for […]
Serie A Games Postponed After Pope Dies On Easter Monday
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Prisoner Found Dead From Suspected Drug Overdose At Major Irish Facility
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How Faith Terim Has Transformed Al Shabab Into An Offensive Powerhouse
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