Former Champion Simona Halep Withdraws From French Open

Following a calf tear last week in Rome, Simona Halep officially withdrew from the French Open today.

The 2018 French champion hurt her left calf during an opening round match against Angelique Kerber in Rome.

Halep posted this statement on social media:
“It’s with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from @rolandgarros this year. Unfortunately the tear in my left calf needs more time to recover and the timeline is just too short. Withdrawing from a Grand Slam goes against all my instincts and aspirations as an athlete, but it is the right and only decision to make. The thought of not being in Paris fills me with sadness, but I will focus my energy on recovery, staying positive and getting back on court as soon as it is safe to do so. Roland Garros 2022, I’m coming for you! A bientot ❤️🇫🇷”

Halep has never missed the French, having played the event 11 straight years, a streak that will end later this month. Last year, she fell the quarterfinals to eventual winner Iga Swiatek. She won the 2018 title rallying to beat Sloane Stephens for her first Slam.

The 27-year-old Halep has struggled since her Rome title last September. Since Rome, she’s just 14-7 over her last 21 matches with no finals and just one semifinal.

A healthy Halep would have been a top 3 or 4 favorite at the French Open after the last two winners, Iga Swiatek and Ash Barty.