Simona Halep revealed a back injury led to her retirement against Elena Rybakina in the Wuhan Open third round on Wednesday (September 25).
Wimbledon champion Simona Halep was forced to retire from the Wuhan Open with a lower back problem.
Simona Halep revealed a back injury led to her retirement against Elena Rybakina in the Wuhan Open third round on Wednesday (September 25).
The Romanian World No. 6 was trailing the wildcard 5-4 when she retired at the WTA Premier event. (TENNIS NEWS)
Halep, who suffered a back injury late last year, said she felt pain during the ninth game of the match.
"It's a lower back [injury]. I think it's more muscle, but I don't know yet because I didn't check it properly," she told reporters, via the WTA.
"[At] 4-4, 0-30, with the backhand. I had a sharp pain.
"I don't know yet [if it's the same as the previous injury]. It looks a little bit different but it's still the same zone."
Halep has enjoyed a fine 2019 season, including winning the Wimbledon title in July.