Chris Evert
and
Boris Becker thrilled with
Simona Halep’s return to the WTA Tour at the WTA
125
Hong Kong Open, which will begin on Monday, September 30. The former World
No. 1 has only played two matches since her doping ban was lifted, with
injuries hindering her full return.
The
two-time Grand Slam champion was suspended for four years after testing
positive for Roxadustat at the 2022 US Open, a substance she accidentally
consumed through a supplement. In March of this year, her sanction was reduced,
allowing her to return immediately to the courts, making her comeback at the
Miami Open.
Halep to compete in Hong Kong after long injury
The
Romanian surprised with a high level of tennis against a tough
opponent like Paula Badosa, who had also just returned after a long injury.
Halep won the first set but couldn’t maintain the level, losing 6-1, 4-6, 3-6.
However, she left a good impression for the rest of the season, showing
competitiveness despite the long absence from the competition.
Since her
suspension, Halep dropped from World No. 6 to having no ranking, forcing her to
request wildcards as she worked her way back. Following another injury, she
only played her second tournament at the WTA 125 Clarins in Paris in May but
had to retire in the second set (7-5, 2-3) against McCartney Kessler.
Cleared to
play but dealing with injuries, Halep announced a few weeks ago that she
planned to return at the end of October at the WTA 250 Hong Kong Open. However,
plans changed as she received a wildcard for a WTA 125 event, also in Hong
Kong, starting September 30. Halep will face Arina Rodionova in the first
round.
The 18-time
Grand Slam champion Chris Evert celebrated the Romanian’s return on social
media. Evert publicly supported Halep during her doping ban, as Halep always
claimed innocence. After Halep’s announcement of her return, Evert posted a
message on her X account: "❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏 so happy to see you back,
Simona!!!" she wrote.
Six-time
Grand Slam champion Boris Becker echoed Evert's sentiments, sharing her message
and adding, "Absolutely Simona."
