Halep Gets Australian Open Wildcard for 2025

Simona Halep’s Return to Australian Open

Former world number one Simona Halep has been granted a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifying rounds. This marks a significant comeback for the 33-year-old Romanian after her doping ban was reduced to nine months earlier this year.

Halep, who has consistently maintained her innocence regarding the doping charges, returned to competitive tennis in March at the Miami Open. She last participated on the WTA Tour in October in Hong Kong, where she faced a first-round exit.

The former French Open and Wimbledon champion currently ranks 877 in the world, a stark contrast to her peak position. Halep reached the Australian Open final in 2018, finishing as runner-up to Caroline Wozniacki, and her most recent showing in the tournament was a fourth-round appearance in 2022.

In a statement, Halep expressed her excitement about returning:

“I have been working hard to get ready for the 2025 season. The Australian Open has provided me with some of the best moments in my career, so I can’t wait to be back in Melbourne and playing in front of the Aussie fans.”

Cruz Hewitt Follows Father’s Footsteps

In other Australian Open news, 16-year-old Cruz Hewitt has received a wildcard to the qualifying rounds. The Australian teenager aims to emulate his father, Lleyton Hewitt, who made his Grand Slam debut at Melbourne Park in 1997 after qualifying at just 15 years old.

Lleyton Hewitt, a two-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, remains an iconic figure in Australian tennis. His son Cruz’s debut will undoubtedly draw significant attention as he takes his first steps on tennis’s biggest stage.