Simona Halep has signed up to play at the Ladies Open in Palermo in the first week of August. The former world number 1 and 2019 Wimbledon champion made the announcement in a video message released across the tournament’s social media:
“I am very happy to announce I will be back in Palermo after ten years. I hope to have a great week over there. See you soon”, said Halep.
Halep has not played on the WTA Tour since her win in the final of the Dubai Premier tournament against Elena Rybakina, who will be also in the line-up in Palermo.
“Halep’s participation is exceptional news. It had been decades since Palermo last hosted a former world number 1 player. Our city is very devoted to world tennis. Her presence is one of great interest for everybody”, said Palermo Ladies Open Tournament Director Oliviero Palma.
The impressive line-up also features five top 20 players: Aryna Sabalenka (world number 11), Petra Martic (15), Elena Rybakina (17), Marketa Vondrousova (18) and Maria Sakkari (20).
“We will have Halep, five players ranked between number 10 and 20 and four ranked between 30 and 40. The cut-off is at world number 69. It’s really incredible. We could call a Premier tournament, although it’s an International level tournament. Camila Giorgi has also accepted a wildcard into the tournament, making her the highest-ranked Italian in the draw, and that there was another spot reserved should another top 10 player wish to enter”, said Palma.
The Palermo Ladies Open will be held with respect of social distancing rules to keep the spread of covid-19 under control.
“We wil follow all the WTA protocols. All players will undergo serological tests. We feel the weight of responsibility. We are optimism but we must be careful and guarantee the safety for everyone. The crowd will have to respect all norms. The tournament is a great opportunity for Palermo, tennis and the entire sport world. This is a starting point ”, continued Palma.
Palma confirmed that Italian television channel Rai Sport will broadcast two live matches a day and the tournament will be broadcast in 160 countries around the world.
