Defensive champion Simona Halep has pulled out of next week’s Dubai Tennis Championships with a lower back protest, WTA 1000 tournament organizers said Thursday.
World No. 3 Halep, who pulled out of this week ‘s Qatar Open in Doha, has played a competitive game since losing in straight sets to Serena Williams in the Australian Open quarter – finals last month.
“Unfortunately I don’t feel 100% on my low back, and I have come to a difficult decision to pull out of the 2021 Dubai Free Tennis Championships,” the 29-year-old Roman said. who won the Dubai event in 2015, on social media.
“I have fond memories of winning my 20th WTA title after some difficult games in Dubai last year so I’m ashamed I can’t defend my title. “
Halep follows the world No. 1 Ash Barty, who is recovering from a leg injury, in a jump to the Dubai event, which runs from March 7-13.