Simona HALEP (ROU) plays Serena WILLIAMS (USA) on Rod Laver Arena during Day 9 of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. MANDATORY PHOTO CREDIT Tennis Australia/ NATASHA MORELLO
Defending champion Simona Halep has withdrawn from Wimbledon with a calf injury.
The Romanian tore her left calf muscle during a match in Rome in May and was missed the French Open.
The 29-year-old said on wimbledon.com: “It is with great sadness that I’m announcing my withdrawal from the championships as my calf injury has not fully recovered.
“I can honestly say that I’m really down and upset about having to take this decision.
“This period has been difficult, but to miss the last two majors has made it even more challenging mentally and physically. We will see what the future holds, but I’m hoping it will make me a stronger person and athlete.
“Thank you to everyone at Wimbledon for your understanding and support.”
Halep had been second seed for the women’s singles behind Australia’s Ashleigh Barty.
Sh is the latest to withdraw and joins Naomi Osaka, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem in missing the championships.
She will be replaced as second seed by Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka.
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