Simona Halep announced on Thursday that she will not play tennis again in 2022, with the former WTA number one taking months to recover from nose surgery and a difficult season that even saw her suffer a panic attack. Paula Badosa (world number four) praised the sincerity of the player who beat her twice this year.

Paula Badoza praises Simona Halep: “She is a source of inspiration”

Paula, who lost decisively to Simona in Madrid and Wimbledon and spoke after both matches about the pressure she feels from the Spanish fans, also said mental health is very important.

“Such an honest and transparent letter from Simona Halep. Thanks for sharing these thoughts and helping others with your own experience. Get well soon Simon. Mental health is a priority” – Paula Badoson Instagram.

*Photo source: Paula Badosa / Instagram

Simona Halep to no longer play tennis in 2022 – She needs time to recover from nose surgery

Simona, who is ranked No. 9 in the WTA rankings, said she needs three months to recover from a nose operation, but assured fans that she still has many goals.

“When I lost at the US Open, I realized that I was completely mentally exhausted. Having had breathing problems for many years that had worsened over time, I decided to follow the advice of my doctors and undergo the necessary surgery.

I couldn’t do it before because I never found the three months I needed to recover because tennis was always at the forefront of my life. But I felt it was the right time to do it and also do something for myself as an individual. Therefore, I also engaged in aesthetics, which I wanted for a long time, because I did not like my nose at all. So I did, I decided the functional part and the aesthetic part. I know that many of you can understand me” – Simona Halep.

The last official match Simona Halep played was on August 29 at the 2022 US Open, Grand Slam, where she lost in the inaugural round to Daria Snigur of Ukraine.