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.
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.”
World number three Halep is the latest big name to withdraw and joins Naomi Osaka, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem in missing the Championships. She will be replaced as second seed by Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka.
“I can honestly say that I’m really down and upset about having to take this decision,” continued Halep.
“This period has been difficult but to miss the last two majors has made it even more challenging mentally and physically. We will see what the future holds but I’m hoping it will make me a stronger person and athlete.
“Thank you to everyone at Wimbledon for your understanding and support.”
Big, big blow for us and of course Pat Lam, Willie has been a fantastic signing since arriving last season as his regular Player of the Month and Supporters Player of the Season award testified (beating Henshaw & Marmion in the process) .
His loss is best exemplified by the change-around in the second half against Ulster, after he went off at 46mins.
A real pity as a run of games would have given him the chance to impress Joe Schmidt, but like every season if you get injured and miss out the AI squads, you’ll not be considered for the 6N’s. But hopefully Schmidt will incorporate a more traditional 7 in his line up to help slow down oppo ball and speed up our own, and he might get a shot in the future…