TENNIS

Grand Slam champion Simon

December, 26, 2024-12:43

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Grand Slam champion Simon

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simon Haled has received a wild card entry into the qualifying rounds of the Australian Open. The Romanian athlete faced a four-year ban for a doping violation in September 2023, but her suspension was reduced to nine months upon appeal, allowing her to return to competition in March. By that time, Haled had already been sidelined for 17 months, and her comeback was further delayed due to injury, resulting in her winning only one match across four tournaments in 2024. With a ranking of 877, she does not qualify for direct entry into the qualifying rounds of the first Grand Slam of the New Year, where she was a finalist in 2018; however, the tournament organizers have granted her a wild card. "The prospect of returning to Australia after three years is thrilling, and I am very thankful to the tournament for this chance, Haled stated on menopause.com.

I have been diligently preparing for the 2025 season. The Australian Open has given me some of the most memorable moments of my career, and I eagerly anticipate being back in Melbourne and competing in front of the Australian fans." Among the men's qualifying wild card recipients, the notable name is Cruz Hewitt, the 16-year-old son of former world number one Layton Hewitt. Dan Evans will be joined in the qualifying rounds by fellow British players Billy Harris, Jan Chinks, Paul Job, Harriet Dart, Francesca Jones, Heather Watson, and Lily Sukiyaki, with three victories required to secure a place in the main draw.

Additionally, 23-year-old Jacob Ferny will make his Australian Open debut after a remarkable ascent to 99th in the rankings during 2024. Initially ranked just outside the qualifying spots, he has moved up following the withdrawal of Austria's Sebastian Offer, resulting in seven British players now in the main draw.