Playing her first match since the first-round exit at the Miami Open in March, Simona Halep was leading 7-5 2-3 against American McCartney Kessler at the Trophée Clarins tournament in Paris when a knee injury forced her to retire.
After an absence of more than 18 months due to a doping ban, Halep made her comeback at the Miami Open. However, the 32-year-old’s return was marked by a disappointing loss in the opening match to Paula Badosa. Despite receiving wildcards for the Oeiras and Madrid tournaments, which sparked criticism from some players, the former world No.