Simona Halep wishes she could have the chance to open play on Centre Court, a tradition carried on by Wimbledon each year. 

As 2019 champion, the Romanian would have opened play on tennis’ most famous stage in 2020 had the event not been cancelled that year.

Halep then missed 2021 through injury, again missing that shot at a personal piece of history.

Finally, after current defending champion Ash Barty retired, Wimbledon chose to have world number one Iga Swiatek open play on Centre Court come Tuesday.

Tennishead asked Halep is she was upset to have missed her opportunity to take part in such a storied tradition.

She responded: “Upset is too much to say.

“But I can say that I feel sad that I missed it because I was injured, so I couldn’t really take the chance.

“It would have been very nice to open the tournament.

“But my chance is gone.”

However, at 30 years old Halep is by no means done with her career.

She could very well win another Wimbledon title to add to her collection, something she acknowledged.

“So probably in this life I can have another chance, so I will look forward to that,” she finished.

Centre Court beckons for Iga Swiatek #Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/4Bq962Z5GV

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 24, 2022

Seeded 16th, Halep is a player with the pedigree to be champion in 2022.

Despite her ranking, she faces a tough opening round draw against Karolina Muchova.

The Czech is an adept grass-courter who has been ranked as high as 19 in the world.