The wait has been long for the fans of Simona Halep, isn’t it? In what has been an eventful year for her, Halep’s ban was reduced to nine months from the original 4-year doping ban. As a result, she was cleared to play in the tournaments. However, physical issues and injuries have kept her away from the sport since she last appeared at the WTA 125 Trophee Clarins in Paris, France. Hours ago, a major update dropped about her comeback tournament that is sure to excite tennis fans.

Halep is set to return to tennis in October at the Prudential Hong Kong Open. She was officially named as a participant in the tournament earlier today, and it is a step in the right direction for her despite not being 100% fit.

Interestingly, the tournament will also mark the farewell of Danielle Collins, who will retire after the tournament in Hong Kong. The American tennis star, although at the peak of her career, wants to focus on her personal life and decided to leave the sport early. Last month, Collins didn’t have the best farewell on the Grand Slam level, as she bowed out of the US Open in the opening round. Thus, she will try to have one last laugh before she hangs her boots.

On the other hand, Halep wants to keep going and has remained dedicated to the sport. She can’t wait to get back on the courts again and is gearing up for a quick return.

Simona Halep on her return: ‘Hope to be healthy and ready to play’

Despite getting the judgment in her favor on her doping ban, Halep hasn’t been able to play on the highest level due to a knee injury. That has kept her away from tennis for more than four months now, with her last appearance coming back in May. Although she has missed playing on the tour, Halep can’t wait to return with a bang.

Halep said, “It’s hard to say now because I’m still recovering with my knee. I plan to go play a tournament in Hong Kong at the end of October. I would really like it because I miss it, I miss the competition, and I hope to be healthy and fit to play. This is the plan now.”

With her tennis ranking taking a beating owing to her lengthy absence, Halep would be eager to get back to winning ways soon. And the tournament in Hong Kong would be a perfect platform for her to find her lost mojo back.