Simona Halep has gotten a bit of assist from the Auckland organizers after being awarded a principal draw wildcard into the upcoming ASB Basic.
Earlier this week, Tennis Australia introduced the previous world No. 1 as a qualifying wildcard recipient for the Australian Open. For the reason that Romanian is presently ranked at No. 877 on the planet, there is no such thing as a method for to enter the main-level tournaments straight.
Now, Halep can be assured to play no less than one event earlier than the Australian Open – the WTA 250 event in New Zealand begins on December thirtieth.
For the two-time Grand Slam champion, it is going to be her third look on the New Zealand event and the primary one since 2013. Previously, the Romanian had a quarterfinal outing in her 2011 Auckland debut earlier than shedding within the round-of-16 two years later.
On the ASB Basic, the 33-year-old will probably be joined by another high names, together with Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu.
Halep admitted she wanted assist and the Auckland organizers got here by for her
After shedding within the first spherical of the WTA 250 event in Hong Kong in late October, the previous world No. 1 acknowledged that she would wish assist in type of wildcards.
“It will depend on the wildcards, however I simply need to work tougher as a result of I want a stronger physique to carry out at this degree,” she mentioned on the time.
Since Halep is a two-time Grand Slam champion and has been the top-ranked participant within the sport, the ASB Basic organizers felt it was affordable to offer her a principal draw wildcard.
“Simona routinely qualifies for an exemption wildcard beneath her standing as a former world No. 1 ranked participant. Now she faces an extended highway to return to the game, and we are going to do our greatest to make sure she enjoys her expertise again in Auckland, each on and off the courtroom,” Auckland event director Nicolas Lamperin mentioned in an announcement.
If Halep does properly in New Zealand, she is going to get some momentum forward of the Australian Open but in addition gather some factors and immediately enhance her rating.
