Simona Halep gets Auckland wildcard, joins Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu

Simona Halep has gotten a little bit assist from the Auckland organizers after being awarded a predominant draw wildcard into the upcoming ASB Traditional.

Earlier this week, Tennis Australia introduced the previous world No. 1 as a qualifying wildcard recipient for the Australian Open. Because the Romanian is presently ranked at No. 877 on the earth, there isn’t any means for to enter the main-level tournaments immediately.

Now, Halep can also be assured to play not 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 will likely be her third look on the New Zealand event and the primary one since 2013. Prior to now, the Romanian had a quarterfinal outing in her 2011 Auckland debut earlier than dropping within the round-of-16 two years later. 

On the ASB Traditional, the 33-year-old can be joined by another prime names, together with Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu. 

Halep admitted she wanted assist and the Auckland organizers got here by way of for her 

After dropping 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 is dependent upon the wildcards, however I simply wish to work tougher as a result of I would like a stronger physique to carry out at this stage,” she stated on the time. 

Since Halep is a two-time Grand Slam champion and has been the top-ranked participant within the recreation, the ASB Traditional organizers felt it was cheap to provide her a predominant draw wildcard.

“Simona routinely qualifies for an exemption wildcard underneath her standing as a former world No. 1 ranked participant. Now she faces a protracted 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 stated in a press release.

If Halep does effectively 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.