Simona Halep, former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion, has received a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifying

Simona Halep has been awarded a wildcard for the 2025 Australian Open qualifying, signalling a key moment in her much-anticipated return to tennis. The 33-year-old Romanian, who has not played a Grand Slam match since 2022, is gearing up for a fresh start after a challenging period dominated by a doping suspension.

Halep’s career was temporarily halted when she received a four-year doping ban, a sentence which was later reduced to just nine months. The charges, stemming from two separate doping offences, had rocked the tennis world, but Halep has consistently maintained her innocence throughout the ordeal. Her return to the court in March 2024 marked the end of a 19-month exile from professional tennis, and since then, she has participated in both the WTA and Challenger tours, though with limited success. Halep has won only one of her five matches since her comeback, most recently losing in the first round at the Hong Kong 125 Open in October.

Despite these setbacks, Halep’s determination remains strong, and her inclusion in the Australian Open qualifying event is seen as a significant boost. Ranked 877th in the world, Halep is far from her former peak, but the wildcard entry offers a chance to regain some of her previous form. The former French Open and Wimbledon champion is one of the most accomplished players in the modern era, and her return to Melbourne holds special significance.

“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,” said Halep, expressing her excitement ahead of her return to the iconic tournament.

Halep’s most recent appearance at the Australian Open came in 2022, when she reached the fourth round. However, her finest moment at Melbourne Park came in 2018, when she was a runner-up to Caroline Wozniacki in a thrilling final. The wildcard for qualifying offers a glimmer of hope for a player who has faced significant challenges over the past few years.

In addition to Halep’s return, the Australian Open qualifying will see 16-year-old Cruz Hewitt, son of tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt, make his Grand Slam debut. Cruz, who has received a qualifying wildcard, will look to follow in his father’s footsteps. Lleyton Hewitt made his own Grand Slam debut at Melbourne Park in 1997, qualifying at the age of 15.

The Australian Open qualifying event will run from 6-9 January, with the main draw set to begin on 12 January. For Halep, this marks a crucial moment in her comeback, and she will be hoping to regain her footing on the sport’s biggest stage.