By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday June 25, 2021
Simona Halep has been forced to pull out of Wimbledon with a calf injury.
Photo Source: Camera Works
Simona Halep stunned Wimbledon in 2019, playing a flawless final to take down seven-time champion Serena Williams to claim the title.
Unfortunately, the Romanian will not be able to defend her title in 2021, due to a nagging calf injury.
The two-time major champion announced the news on Friday before the Ladies’ Singles draw was made.
“It is with great sadness that I’m announcing my withdrawal from The Championships as my calf injury has not fully recovered,” she posted on Instagram. I gave it everything I had in order to be ready to play Wimbledon and after having such special memories from 2 years ago, I was excited and honored to step back on these beautiful courts as defending champion. Unfortunately, my body didn’t cooperate and I’ll have to save that feeling for next year.”
The current World No.3 first injured the calf at Rome during a round of 32 tussle with Angelique Kerber. She retired in the second set and would soon pull out of Roland Garros. After working hard to rehab the injury to her left calf, Halep was seen practicing around the Wimbledon grounds over the last few days.
Unfortunately she decided she wasn’t fit enough to compete at the Championships, where she owns a 24-8 record in nine career main draw appearances.
Halep’s final performance in 2019 will go down in history as one for the ages. Halep hit 13 winners against just three unforced errors to dismantle Williams’ vaunted game in a mere 56 minutes.
“I can honestly say that I'm really down and upset about having to take this decision,” she wrote. “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.”