Simona Halep has just announced some very positive news as she is set to play earlier than anticipated and return to action at next week's WTA 125 tournament in Hong Kong.
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Shortly after playing her first tournament in a year and a half at the Miami Open in March, the former world No. 1 started battling injury issues. After an attempt to return in May didn't go as expected since she was forced to retire mid-match in Trophee Clarins, the 33-year-old decided to take a longer break to address her knee injury.
And after being silent for some time and not sharing updates, Halep feels ready to play again and her comeback will start at the Hong Kong Open, which kicks off on Monday.
"Hello guys, I figured today was a great day to share the great news that I will be back on the court sooner than expected. I will be flying to Hong Kong tomorrow to compete in the WTA125 Hong Kong Open. Big thanks to the tournament for the wildcard and I cannot wait to see you all there," the Romanian announced in a video posted on the tournament's X account.
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Halep will be hoping this time everything goes right
After being cleared to return to tennis from a doping ban, the 2019 Wimbledon champion didn't wait for too long to launch her comeback. And rushing things may have played a part in her sustaining an unfortunate injury early on. But after it happened, Halepvowed to take her time.
"It has been a very difficult period (almost two years) mentally and emotionally for me and struggling physically on top of that definitely doesnt help. I have decided to take the time needed to recover properly, rather than training and playing through pain. My instinct has always been to try to come back as soon as possible, but I am not a machine, I am a human being and I need time to recover from everything I have gone through," the 33-year-old said in July.
While Halep would certainly love to make a strong run in Hong Kong, there is no doubt that being pain-free and avoiding any kind of injury will be the most important thing for her.
