Hong Kong 125 Open: Halep returns with first win in two years, books spot in last 16

Wildcard Simona Halep made a triumphant return to WTA Tour action, moving into the last 16 of the Hong Kong 125 Open by edging out Australian Arina Rodionova 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 on Wednesday afternoon.

It was the Romanian’s first competitive outing since a first-round loss to American Kessler at a Challenger event in Paris back in early May.

Prior to that, Halep had played only one match this year – losing to Paula Badosa at the Miami Open – as she made her return to professional tennis following a backdated doping ban.

Today was only the former world No 1’s third match since 2022, when the ban came into effect. It is her first win of the season, and her first victory at any level since being barred from competing nearly two years ago.

“It was a pleasure to play here. It’s the first victory in two years. I feel very tired. I came here because I received a wildcard, I really like it, it’s my first time in the city,” she said following the win.

“I felt a bit of pressure after the first set, I started to lower my level. I just want to recover, so I can play again tomorrow. I’m trying to take care of my body, and tomorrow I’ll play again in front of the fans.

“I’m trying to get energy from people and bring it onto the court.”

Simona Halep will play Russian Anna Blinkova, the No 7 seed, next.