Simona Halep has several times vented her doubts about playing the US Open to focus more on clay season in Europe. However, it seems that Simona’s road to competitions is getting complicated. Halep was meant to compete in Palermo next week. However, that may not happen since on Friday the Italian Minister of Health signed a document imposing a 14-day quarantine on all inbound travelers who have spent time in Romania or Bulgaria in the previous two weeks. This means that Simona Halep needs to be quarantined before playing in Palermo and that would make it impossible for world no.2 to compete in Italy.
Why there is still hope for Simona Halep in Palermo
The organization of the event has not lost faith. Tournament director Oliviero Palma has immediately sent a letter to the Minister of Health to have an exemption for Simona.
“This decision would penalize a player like Simona Halep, the world number two and Wimbledon titleholder, who could no longer participate in the Palermo tournament,” said Palma. “We are convinced that the health protocols adopted by the WTA are strict enough to ensure the safety and health of the athletes but also of all those involved in the event.”
“We have sent an urgent letter to the Minister of Health Roberto Speranza to request an exemption from the ordinance for the players who will participate in the tournament.”
While Simona Halep would be the biggest attraction of this event, the organization has secured the participation of the likes of Dayana Yastremska, Aryna Sabalenka, Johanna Konta, Jelena Ostapenko, and Marketa Vondrousova
Simona Halep in 2020
Currently the world no.2, Simona played her last match on the 22nd of February when she defeated Elena Rybakina 3-6 6-3 7-65 in the final in Dubai to win her 20th career title.
At present, this year Simona has a 10-2 win-loss record. Simona conquered 1 title in Dubai.
