Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, on Thursday because of pain in her knee and shoulder, the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension.

Simona Halep will delay her start to the 2025 season and skip the Australian Open due to pain in her knee and shoulder.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep withdrew from qualifying for the Australian Open, citing knee and shoulder pain. Halep announced Thursday via Instagram that she also won't compete in the ASB Classic in Auckland,

Fans hoping that 2025 would be the year of Simona Halep's comeback now have reasons for concern. Halep announced on her Instagram story that she has pulled out of the Auckland Open and the Australian Open.

Simona Halep has been forced to pull out of Australian Open qualifying after announcing her latest injury setback. Former world No 1 Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion, initially received a wildcard into the qualifying draw in Melbourne as she looked to kickstart her return from her suspension.