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Simona Halep, the Wimbledon women’s individual champion, announced on Friday that she has retired due to an injury from this year’s tournament. Halep, the world’s 3rd-ranked player, blamed his retirement on a calf injury he suffered at the Italian Open last month.
Halep’s retirement is the second major league he has lost due to injury, as he also had to leave the French Open. Getting Halep out of Wimbledon is particularly significant, as he won the women’s singles championship the last time the tournament was held in 2019, and he was the first Romanian to do so.
“I gave my all to be ready to play at Wimbledon and after having special memories of 2 years ago, I was excited and honored to be back on these beautiful courts as a defending champion,” Halep wrote on Instagram. “Unfortunately, my body didn’t cooperate and I will have to keep that feeling for next year.
“I can honestly say that I am very upset and sad to have to make this decision. This period has been difficult, but losing the last two Seniors has made it even harder mentally and physically. We will see what the future holds but I am confident that I will become a stronger Person and Athlete.”
Halep’s departure from Wimbledon marks a significant second retirement in the women’s competition, as second-placed Naomi Osaka left the tournament earlier this month ongoing problems with anxiety and depression. The men’s side of the tournament has also dropped significantly. Rafael Nadal he announced his retirement from both Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics last week.
The absence of both Halep and Osaka is to the benefit of Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, who will rise to 2nd place behind Ash Barty.
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