Tennis star Simona Halep won’t play in Romania’s Fed Cup match against the Czech Republic, on February 6-7 and will have to give up the WTA tournaments in Dubai and Doha (Qatar) as well, to undergo surgery. Halep hopes she will recover in time to defend her title at Indian Wells.

“Sadly, I must announce that I have to give up my participation in Fed Cup because I will undergo surgery. Playing in Fed Cup has meant and means a lot to me, and I’m disappointed I can’t be part of the team again,” Halep said on Sunday morning.

She added that the past six months have been very difficult for her, due to stomach, nose and year infections, which have prevented her from training properly and also affected her performance at the Australian Open.

“I’ve tried to give my best in Australia but, because of the existing infections, unfortunately, I made things worse,” Halep said.

She explained that she would undergo a nose surgery to solve some of her health issues.

“This is why I will have to withdraw from Dubai and Doha. I will play my next tournament when I will be recovered 100%,” she said. “I hope I will recover in time to play at Indian Wells,” she added.

Chinese qualifier stuns Romanian star Simona Halep out of the Australian Open

editor@romania-insider.com