DOHA. Nasty stuff for Simona Halep.
The Romanian was chasing the world no.1 rank again in Doha even if she was injured and that didn’t go well. Simona had not to be outperformed by Caroline Wozniacki in Qatar to regain the top of the rankings, and she was having a fantastic run.
Halep reached the semifinal after demolishing everyone on the way and serving 2 bagels (6-0). Unfortunately, the world no.2 had to have an MRI after she breezed past Cici Bellis in the quarters (6-0 6-4), and that was enough to convince Simona to withdraw from the competition.
What happened
Simona explained what was going on with her foot to comment
“The MRI shows that I have fluid and also tendinitis at the fourth toe, so I have just to take care of it and think about my health first.
Definitely, until Indian Wells, I will not play anything. I will decide before the tournament if I will be able to play.
For the moment I cannot say much. I have to take day by day and to see if I can recover until Indian Wells.
It’s tough to withdraw in the semis. I think it’s the first time when I do this. It’s a great tournament, beautiful place. I play great tennis, so it’s very tough to stop because of the injury.
I have to, and I pushed enough myself this two months, so I have just to take it easy. I withdraw because I cannot play anymore and it’s going to be dangerous if I force it.”
After this retirement, Garbine Muguruza has a free pass to the final.
This was probably the right decision.
