Simona, forced to withdraw from WTA Finals due to a lower back injury

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced today that Simona Halep has withdrawn from the 2018 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global due to a lower back injury.

As a result, Kiki Bertens qualifies for the final spot, joining Angelique Kerber, Naomi Osaka, Petra Kvitova, Caroline Wozniacki, Sloane Stephens, Karolina Pliskova and Elina Svitolina in Singapore for the US$7 million showpiece set to take place from October 21-28, 2018.

“Unfortunately, after much discussion with my team and doctors, I have made the decision to withdraw from the WTA Finals in Singapore,” said Halep. “I wanted to finish 2018 on a high after such an incredible year, but sadly my back injury hasn’t healed the way we hoped it would and I need to put my long-term health first. I’m sad I won’t be able to play the fifth and final edition here in Singapore, but I’m confident this is the right decision and will do everything I can to be back fighting for my place at the WTA Finals next year. Singapore is a special city and I’m sure the fans will enjoy seeing some fantastic women’s tennis this week.”