Defending Champion Simona Halep Ruled Out Due to Injury
By Space Coast Daily // June 28, 2021
Right on the eve of the Wimbledon draw, we were given the shocking news that current women’s defending champion Simona Halep will not be taking part in the grand slam event this summer. The 29-year-old announced that she would be withdrawing from the event, which takes place on grass, at late notice.
The reason for her withdrawal is a calf injury, something that has kept her out of action since May. The current Wimbledon champion had hoped to make the tournament and defend her crown, but ultimately, she has ran out of time to get fit.
She announced “it is with great sadness that I’m announcing my withdrawal from the championships as my calf injury has not fully recovered”
She then went on to say “I can honestly say that I’m really down and upset about having to take this decision.”
“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.”
The injury to Halep came in Rome, while she was taking part in the clay court season. The injury has already forced her to miss one grand slam event, she was ruled out of the French Open, and was hoping that would be the only one she would miss.
She is the second big star to pull out of the women’s event at Wimbledon this year, with Naomi Osaka also hitting the sports news headlines when she pulled out of the event a few weeks ago, citing mental health struggles as the reason why.
Halep won the 2019 Wimbledon title, her second grand slam victory, and came here as defending champion after the 2020 event was completely cancelled. With big crowds confirmed for 2021, it was supposed to be a chance for Halep to defend her crown in front of many tennis fans, to really put the sport back into the spotlight for the right reasons.
How Will This Affect the Tournament?
This is huge news for those who are going to follow Wimbledon, and especially those who are going to bet on the event. The news of Osaka Halep pulling out has really shaken up the betting market for the women’s event, which will be of interest to those using betting sites for Wimbledon and placing bets on the women’s outright event.
The women’s event at Wimbledon has always had a reputation of being more open than the men’s event, and with two of the leading contenders now out and not playing, this could be the most open we have ever seen it. Many players up and down the draw will fancy their chances of success at the event, and anyone hitting form at just the right time will have to be in contention to win this prestigious event.
