World No 1 Halep pulls out of Kremlin Cup

Romania’s

World No 1 Simona Halep yesterday withdrew from the Kremlin Cup, a joint WTA and ATP event, due to concerns over an ongoing back injury.

“I tried everything I could to be ready here as I really wanted to play,” Halep said. “But unfortunately the back is still causing me pain and I don’t want to take any unnecessary risks.” The 27-year-old’s appearance had been in doubt when she withdrew from Beijing two weeks ago and was diagnosed with a herniated disk in her back. (AFP)