Simona Halep will play her first tournament in over four months at the Hong Kong Open, a WTA 125K tournament, but she has been placed in the most difficult quarter in the draw.
Halep's return to tennis after having her suspension for taking a banned substance reduced has been disrupted by a knee injury. The Romanian's last appearance was at another WTA 125k event in France in May.
Her doping scandal was heavily publicized, and Halep admitted she went through a lot. She was also clearly unhappy that Jannik Sinner did not receive the same provisional suspension she did during her ordeal.
The two-time Grand Slam Champion's comeback to tennis occurred at the Miami Open, where she lost to Paula Badosa in three sets. That and the WTA 125k tournament in France are her only appearances in 2024.
Halep's doping saga and the length of time since she challenged for Grand Slams make it easy for tennis fans to forget just how formidable and feared an opponent she used to be.
That is demonstrated by Halep being No. 3 on the list of career prize money earned on the WTA Tour. Aryna Sabalenka entered the Top 10 on that list after her US Open triumph, one place behind Iga Swiatek.
Halep announced a few days ago that she would make her comeback at the Hong Kong Open, but the 2019 Wimbledon winner has been placed in the same quarter as the high-profile No. 1 seed at the tournament.
The 33-year-old will start her campaign against the experienced Arina Rodionova, who is enjoying one of her best seasons at age 34, but Halep has a good chance of coming through that match.
She could face Anna Blinkova in the following round if the Russian overcomes a qualifier in the first round. Blinkova defeated Elena Rybakina at this year's Australian Open, although she has struggled for consistency since then.
However, Halep will likely come up against the player the other women in the draw hoped to avoid if she reaches the quarterfinal: this year's US Open semifinalist and world No. 8 Emma Navarro.
Many were shocked to see Navarro's name on the entry list. It is somewhat unusual for a player so high in the rankings to play at WTA 125K tournaments. Clara Burel, the No. 2 seed in Hong Kong, is ranked No. 56.
Two factors probably convinced Navarro to play in Hong Kong. Firstly, she lost in the first round at the ongoing China Open and would have to wait nearly weeks for her next match after that setback.
Secondly, Navarro is locked in a tight race to qualify for the WTA Finals. She currently occupies the final spot for the year-end event, with Danielle Collins and Qinwen Zheng in the two places below her.
Zheng is still in the draw at the China Open and could overtake Navarro if she makes a deep run, meaning the American might need the additional ranking points. Navarro's motivation and excellent level this year mean she would present a significant challenge to Halep.
Halep could face the No. 3 seed Katie Volynets in the semifinal, who lost to Naomi Osaka after a rain delay in the round of 32 at the China Open. Burel and Sara Sorribes Tormo are possible opponents in the final.
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