The comeback story of the season awaits Simona Halep as she prepares to step onto the courts once again. The Romanian superstar will mark her return at the WTA 125-level tournament in Hong Kong, scheduled to commence on Monday, September 30. A former WTA star has voiced her elation, as Halep gets ready to compete for the first time in four months.

Halep will be back in action for the third time this year after she was cleared to return to the Tour following a protracted appeal to her 2022 doping ban. The former World No. 1 suffered a Miami Open opening-round defeat at the hands of Paula Badosa. Later, her adventures at the WTA 125 in Paris bore no fruition either. She was forced to retire due to a left knee injury while dueling against McCartney Kessler, despite enjoying a first-set lead. Halep has been sidelined from the sport ever since. However, in a bid to put those misfortunes behind, the Romanian is eying for a return at the Hong Kong event. Overjoyed with the update, Chris Evert dropped an adorable reaction on social media.

Taking to her X handle, the former American No. 1 expressed her eagerness to spectate the two-time Grand Slam champion again. Implying her best regards for Halep’s upcoming endeavor, the 69-year-old stated: “so happy to see you back, Simona!” as a reply to the Romanian’s video, wherein she confirmed her comeback.

Halep, who tested positive for the banned substance, Roxadustat, following her 2022 US Open campaign, was handed a four-year ban from the circuit. Adding more to her troubles, she was sanctioned for abnormalities to her biological passport. However, the 33-year-old’s ban sentence was reduced to nine months, effectively reinstating her status as an active player in March. Exciting indeed, but the results did not favor her.

Halep updated fans with the status report of her injury concerns earlier this season. In a poignant take on her struggles, the former World No. 1 detailed her recovery journey as well.

Simona Halep voices physical and mental struggles following knee injury

Halep went through a rough patch earlier this season. Naturally, enduring an injury is never easy. This, in turn, prompted her to make a candid admission to the fans, expressing how she’s coping with the persisting physical restrictions.

She said, “For a few months now, I have been struggling with a knee injury. It’s an injury I have never had before and it has been a tough one to manage, with the pain persisting. It has been a very difficult period (almost two years) mentally and emotionally for me and struggling physically on top of that doesn’t help. I have decided to take the time needed to recover properly, rather than training and playing through pain.”

Halep will lock horns with Arina Rodionova in the first round of the Hong Kong Open. The Romanian has been granted a wildcard and will showcase her talent on Tuesday, October 1. Who do you think will win? Let us know in the comments below.