“My Injury Doesn’t Let Me Play Here”: Simona Halep Announces Disheartening News at Miami Open 2021

World No.3 Simona Halep has dropped a bombshell as she announced her withdrawal from the flagship WTA 1000 tournament, Miami Open 2021.

In the statement released by the player, she revealed that because of an injury she won’t be able to play. She had been bearing the pain for some time, and now it is significant enough that she won’t be able to continue.

“I’m very sorry I have to pull out of singles and doubles at the Miami Open, but my injury doesn’t let me play here as I expected,” read the statement.

Simona Halep has now withdrawn from singles and doubles. Consequently, her third-round opponent, Anastasija Sevastova has received a bye.

Halep had partnered with Angelique Kerber for doubles and now has withdrawn from that as well.

“I’m sad that I can’t continue, I wanted to come here to give my best and play many matches but unfortunately I can’t. Hopefully next year I will be back healthy and better,” Halep added.

Halep thanked the organizers for creating a safe tournament and wished to return next year.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the Miami Open organizers and the WTA for all their efforts in staging this great event and for making us feel safe.”

Halep has never won in Miami, and with this development, it will have to wait another year.

Simona Halep and her 2021 woes

Simona had been dealing with injuries before as well. She played her first match at Miami Open since crashing out of the Australian Open 2021. A back injury has been troubling Simona for a while, which had forced her to withdraw from the Dubai Tennis Championships as well.

Halep barely came out of her second-round match against Caroline Garcia. In the first two sets Halep was just hanging on, and that probably took a toll on her back. Yet, she came back in the last set to bagel Garcia and win the match. With the clay-court season fast approaching, let’s see how Halep will prepare for it.

Read More: “We Are in a Good Place”: Simona Halep Opens Up on Being Away From Coach Darren Cahill