Romanian world No.3 Simona Halep has withdrawn from next week’s Qatar Open in Doha.
Halep, who lost in straight sets to Serena Williams in the Australian Open quarter-finals last week, did not specify why she was pulling out of the March 1-6 tournament.
“Unfortunately I have made the decision to withdraw from the Qatar Total Open,” Halep said in a statement released by the tournament organisers.
“It’s always one of my favourite stops on the tour and I really look forward to being back in Doha next year.”
Australian world No.1 Ash Barty and American Sofia Kenin are expected to compete in the WTA 500 tournament along with the likes of Elina Svitolina, Karolina Pliskova and Aryna Sabalenka.