Simona Halep Emphasizes Patience After Comeback Loss

Simona Halep the former world number one emphasizes the importance of patience following her latest comeback on the WTA Tour which ended in a straight-set defeat. The 33-year-old Romanian was playing only her second match since returning from a doping ban which had initially imposed a four-year punishment but was reduced to nine months. Halep’s return to competitive tennis began at the Miami Open in March but a knee injury delayed her subsequent appearances.

In her most recent match at the Hong Kong Tennis Open, Halep faced China’s Yung Yae, currently ranked 45th in the world, and lost 6-3, 6-3. This defeat marked Halep’s first tour-level outing since her injury. Despite the loss, Halep expressed that her performance was better than in her previous match, stating, “My level was not bad at all, but the opponent played really well and had confidence.”

Currently ranked 883rd, Halep is dependent on receiving wildcards to participate in tournaments as she seeks to rebuild her career. The two-time Grand Slam champion, who won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019 has consistently maintained her innocence regarding the doping charges she faced. The Court of Arbitration for Sport partially upheld her case concluding she likely did not intentionally take the banned substance roxadustat.

Looking ahead, Simona Halep said her plans hinge on the wildcards she receives. She aims to work diligently on her fitness, acknowledging the need for a stronger body to compete at a high level. “I will take it slow. I have to give myself patience and try to get better day by day,” she added.