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Simona Halep withdraws from French Open following calf injury


Romanian star Simona Halep has been forced to withdraw from the French Open for the first time in her career due to injury. 

The 2018 French Open champion had been a major doubt for the tournament ever since she sustained a calf injury against Angelique Kerber in Rome, which she was forced to retire from.

An MRI scan later revealed a small tear in her left calf, with Halep returning to Romania to continue her rehabilitation and receive further treatment.

The Romanian took to social media on Friday to announce that she will not be participating in the 2021 French Open.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from Roland Garros this year.

“Unfortunately the tear in my left calf needs more time to recover and the timeline is just too short. Withdrawing from a Grand Slam goes against all my instincts and aspirations as an athlete, but it is the right and only decision to make.

“The thought of not being in Paris fills me with sadness, but I will focus my energy on recovery, staying positive and getting back on court as soon as it is safe to do so. Roland Garros 2022, I’m coming for you! A bientot.”

It will be the first time the World No 3 has missed the French Open since making her debut more than a decade ago in 2010.

Alongside her title run in 2018, Halep also reached the final on two other occasions (2014 and 2017) and has the highest win percentage at Roland Garros than any other slam with 76% (31 wins, 10 losses).

Halep is currently 11-5 for the year and is still yet to reach the final of any event this season. It is expected that Halep could make her return ahead of Wimbledon – a title she will defend after winning two years ago.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.