Simona Halep receives route back into Australian Open after being left out in the cold since return from doping ban

Former World No.1, Simona Halep who has previously reached the final of the Australian Open back in 2018 has been handed a major boost.

Halep who has been left out in the cold as such since she returned to the sport last year with only wildcards for Miami and also Madrid, the latter she couldn't take being given to her.

She served nine months as opposed to four years for testing positive for banned substance Roxudustat and has been a key figure and outspoken one in recent months surrounding the bans handed to Iga Swiatek and also Jannik Sinner bearing no fault or negligence.

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This while her career was put to a standstill. She has been given an Australian Open qualifying wildcard and so will get a route towards the main draw with her ranking being in the 800 region so she cannot get in otherwise.

She will hope that with increased scrutiny on others that she can use this to gain spots in tournaments and fully kick start her comeback. One that up to now hasn't born fruit mainly due to injury, illness and like alluded to a lack of opportunities.

“The thought of returning to Australia after three years is exciting and I’m very grateful to the tournament for this opportunity,” said Halep.

“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.”