Simona Halep has revealed that she will return to tennis after more than 17 months, at the Miami Open later this month. The former world number one announced the news in an Instagram post Thursday.
“I’m thrilled to let you all know that I will be making my return to the WTA Tour in two weeks at the Miami Open,” Halep said in a statement. “Thank you to the tournament for giving me this opportunity and I cannot wait to be back on court and competing.” Also read: Hopman Cup cancelled for 2024, to return in 2025
Halep, a two-time major champion, was authorized to compete again on Tuesday after the Court of Arbitration for Sport accepted her claim that she was not entirely to blame for her positive doping test and lowered her suspension from four years to nine months.
Because she has not played since the US Open in September 2022, the ban was retroactive, allowing Halep to participate immediately. Halep is now unranked and requires wildcards to compete in WTA events due to her extended sabbatical from the sport. She has twice reached the Miami semifinals and most recently won the 1000-level Canadian Open in August 2022. Also read: Simona Halep appeals against her four-year doping ban