World number two Simona Halep on Saturday confirmed that she has tested positive for the novel coronavirus but is recovering well at her home in Romania. Halep is suffering from mild symptoms of Covid-19 and is self-isolating at home in Bucharest.
The 29-year-old Halep, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, had skipped the U.S. Open due to fears of catching the coronavirus. She said in August that she preferred to stay and train in Europe.
The Wimbledon champion announced her test result on social media on October 31.
“I wanted to let you know that I tested positive for COVID-19. I am self-isolating at home and am recovering well from mild symptoms. I feel good ... we will get through this together," Halep said on Twitter.
Halep, a former top-ranked player, won Wimbledon in 2019 and the French Open in 2018. Wimbledon was canceled this year because of the pandemic.
She had made the trip to Paris for the Roland Garros Grand Slam but went down to eventual champion Iga Swiatek in the fourth round last month.
The Women’s WTA Tour has a tournament scheduled in Austria from November 9 but Halep had said her 2020 season was over following her French Open defeat.
Many European countries are experiencing surging numbers of COVID-19 infections. A new wave of lockdowns swept across France, Germany and other places in Europe this week.
Countries such as Switzerland, Italy, Bulgaria Greece have closed or otherwise clamped down again on nightspots and imposed other restrictions such as curfews and mandatory mask-wearing.In August, Halep expressed concern about traveling to New York for the U.S. Open.