Defending champion Simona Halep ruled out of Wimbledon due to injury
Defending champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Wimbledon with a calf injury.
The Romanian, who produced a stunning display to defeat Serena Williams in the final two years ago, tore her left calf muscle during a match in Rome in May and was forced to miss the French Open.
Halep had looked set to be fit for Wimbledon and travelled to London earlier this week but has reluctantly decided she is not able to compete.
We will miss you this year, @Simona_Halep – come back stronger in 2022 💪#Wimbledon
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 25, 2021
The 29-year-old said on wimbledon.com: “It is with great sadness that I’m announcing my withdrawal from the championships as my calf injury has not fully recovered.”
Halep won her first grand slam title at Roland Garros in 2018 and had been thought of as a player most likely to thrive on slower surfaces prior to her brilliant run at the All England Club two years ago.
She said: “I gave it everything I had in order to be ready to play Wimbledon and after having such special memories from two years ago, I was excited and honoured to step back on these beautiful courts as defending champion.
“Unfortunately, my body didn’t co-operate and I’ll have to save that feeling for next year.”
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