Simona Halep withdraws from Qatar Open

World no. 3 Simona Halep has withdrawn from the next week's WTA 500 Qatar Total Open, needing more time to recover following the Australian Open campaign.

Qatar Open will bring the players like Ashleigh Barty (if she decides to play), Elina Svitolina, Karolina Pliskova and Aryna Sabalenka, with Halep joining the list of withdrawn players with other former Major champions Sofia Kenin and Bianca Andreescu.

Simona reached the Australian Open quarter-final and suffered a 6-3, 6-3 loss against the seven-time champion Serena Williams in an hour and 21 minutes. Serena controlled the pace with 24 24 winners and 33 unforced errors, reducing the power from her opponent's strokes to dominate the shortest and most extended exchanges. Williams lost serve thrice and grabbed six breaks from 13 chances, enough to sail over the top and ends Halep's campaign.

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"Unfortunately, I have made the decision to withdraw from the Qatar Total Open. It is always one of my favorite stops on the Tour, and I really look forward to being back in Doha next year. I send the tournament my best wishes for a safe and successful week," Simona Halep stated.