Wimbledon champion Halep returns to WTA Wuhan Open

Sports Wednesday 31/July/2019 21:21 PM
By: Times News Service
Wimbledon champion Halep returns to WTA Wuhan Open

Wuhan: Recently crowned Wimbledon champion Simona Halep will be heading back to Wuhan in September for her sixth consecutive appearance in the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open.

Halep has competed every year since the inception of the Wuhan Open in 2014, celebrating her birthday on September 27 with fans there - and will do that again this year as the tournament takes place between September 22 and 28.

The Romanian is currently World No.4, and a two-time Grand Slam champion, having previously spent a total of 64 weeks as World No.1. Following her Wimbledon triumph, she was honored by her home country, named as the Olympic flag bearer at Tokyo 2020.

Halep will be joined by a host of other WTA stars when the full player field is announced one week before the competition starts. In 2018 19 of the top 20 ranked players competed at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open.

Simona Halep said: "I'm really looking forward to returning to the Wuhan Open for the sixth time this year. Every time we go back the site has got bigger and better, and the tournament always takes special care of us, so I can't wait to be back again and and play in front of the great fans there."

Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open Tournament Co-Director Mrs Li said: "Simona has been a loyal supporter of the Wuhan Open since our very first tournament and we are delighted to welcome her back to Wuhan as the Wimbledon champion.

"Simona has always brought her energy and smiles to Wuhan and has become a big favourite among Wuhan Open fans who will be excited to see the Wimbledon champion live in action on court and taking part in fan activities during the event. We look forward to celebrating not only her birthday with her this year, but also her most recent Grand Slam triumph."

Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open Tournament Co-Director Brenda Perry said: "We all watched Simona play an incredible two weeks of tennis at Wimbledon and congratulate her on her outstanding achievement. Throughout her career Simona has displayed great courage in victory and defeat and is an inspiration for all who watch her play. We are thrilled that Simona has chosen to return to the Wuhan Open for the sixth consecutive year."

Halep’s best result at the Wuhan Open came in 2016 where she reached the semifinal, losing out to the eventual champion Petra Kvitova.