World No. 3 Simona Halep of Romania has withdrawn from next week’s Qatar Open in Doha, event organizers said Tuesday.
Halep, who lost in straight sets to Serena Williams in the Australian Open quarterfinals last week, did not provide a reason for pulling out of the WTA 500 hardcourt tournament.
“I really look forward to being back in Doha next year,” Halep posted on Twitter. “Sending you my best wishes for a safe and successful week @QatarTennis.”
Halep, 29, is a two-time Grand Slam winner, with victories at the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019.
No. 1 Ashleigh Barty of Australia, American Sofia Kenin, Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus are expected to compete at the Doha event, scheduled for March 1-6.
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–Field Level Media