Simona Halep makes devastating announcement days ahead of Australian Open 2025

Simona Halep has made a devastating announcement, sending shockwaves through her fanbase. The news comes just days before the 2025 Australian Open, scheduled to begin on January 12 and run through January 26.

Halep was initially set to resume her tennis action at the ASB Classic in Auckland, using it as a warm-up before heading to the Australian Open. However, on December 26, she announced her withdrawal from both tournaments, revealing that she was dealing with knee and shoulder issues.

The Romanian wrote on Instagram Stories:

"Hi guys, I wanted to wish you all happy holidays and provide a little update. After playing in Abu Dhabi, unfortunately I felt pain in my knee and shoulder once again."

"After discussing with my team at length, we agreed it is sensible to delay the start of my season. It's not what I wanted but I would like to thank the tournament organisers in Auckland and Australia for the wild cards and I'm sorry I won't be able to take them this time," she added.

The two-time Grand Slam champion also shared the location of her next tournament after recovery: Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

"I will rest up and intend for my next event to be Cluj, where I can't wait to play in front of the amazing Romanian fans."

Simona Halep via Instagram Stories

Since her return to the circuit in March after her doping suspension, Halep has competed in just four tournaments, struggling with ongoing health issues, including problems with her shoulder, hip, and knee.

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Simona Halep suggests double standards in handling of her, Iga Swiatek, and Jannik Sinner's doping cases

Simona Halep pictured at the 2024 Miami Open | Image Source: Getty

Simona Halep has expressed frustration over what she perceives as double standards, making it clear that she is unhappy with the way her doping case has been handled compared to the cases of Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner.

On November 29, Halep took to Instagram to highlight the stark contrast in how Iga Swiatek received only a one-month ban while she was sidelined from the sport for over 18 months. She also previously criticized Jannik Sinner for avoiding a ban earlier this year for the same issue.

"I stand and ask myself, why is there such a big difference in treatment and judgment? I can't find and I don't think there can be a logical answer," the former World No. 1 wrote.

"It can only be bad will from the ITIA, the organisation that has done absolutely everything to destroy me despite the evidence ... It was painful, it is painful and maybe the injustice that was done to me will always be painful," she added.