The Madrid Open grants Simona Halep, a former Wimbledon champion, a wildcard as she continues her return from a doping suspension.
Following a successful appeal that reduced her four-year ban to nine months, 32-year-old Simona Halep returned to the WTA Tour last month.
Granted a wildcard for the Miami Open upon her return from suspension, Romanian player Halep exited the tournament in the first round after a loss to Spain’s Paula Badosa.
Also Read: Ankle Injury Puts Murray Out Indefinitely
Madrid will be the two-time Grand Slam champion’s second tournament back.
“Muchas gracias for this wildcard opportunity,” Halep posted on X.
“Madrid has always been a special tournament for me, with happy memories and I’m grateful to be able to make more.”
The Madrid Open starts on 22 April and concludes on 5 May.
Former French Open champion Halep is a two-time winner of the clay-court event, which is part of the WTA 1,000 series and one of the leading tournaments outside the four Grand Slams.
It is one of the key pillars of the European clay-court season, which culminates at the French Open in June.
Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki, who returned in August after having two children, has also received a wildcard, along with Japan’s injury-hit Kei Nishikori and Spanish teenager Martin Landaluce in the men’s singles.
Meanwhile, the ATP has announced the Madrid Open will launch the trial of a new men’s doubles format which the governing body says aims to “increase the exposure and marketing appeal”.
The new format allocates 16 spots in the 32-team draw to pairs consisting of singles players.
Organizers are also streamlining the event schedule to five days and reducing time between shots and changeovers to speed up matches.
Top popular
Post comments (0)