Former World No.1 Simona Halep announced on Friday that she will not play for Romania against Russia at the Fed Cup 2020 in February. Why is the 28-year-old not participating at the premier international team competition in women’s tennis?

Halep explained that she will not feature at the Fed Cup 2020 as she wants to focus on participating at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she hopes to win a medal.

“It was a very difficult decision to ” – Simona Halep

After many discussions with the team, I chose the Olympics, I decided that I will play the Olympics and, for this, to be able and capable one hundred percent in our minds with the preparation. I chose to play only the Olympics next year, “ said Simona Halep at the Romanian Tennis Gala.

The 2-time Grand Slam champion further suggested that Olympics is her priority because she really wants to win a medal. So, Halep aims to participate in everything at the Summer Olympics, that can be singles, doubles and mixed doubles. She will certainly do everything to get a good result and secure a medal for Romania.

“It was a very difficult decision. I had to take it, but it’s best for everyone. That’s why I decided with the Fed Cup team. They’re always with the team always when they play. Warning, it’s not a Fed Cup retreat, it’s just an Olympic year and I chose to play in Tokyo,” said Halep.

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Halep’s successful 2019 season

This year, Simona Halep claimed her maiden Wimbledon Championship title, which was also her second Grand Slam. She also played two finals in Doha and Madrid.

For her success in the 2019 season, Halep received the ‘Best tennis player in Romania in 2019’ prize during the annual gala organized by the Romanian Tennis Federation. The ceremony took place on Friday evening.

Halep also led the Romanian team till the semifinals of the Fed Cup 2019. It was the first time since 1973 that Romania reached the last four of the Fed Cup. However, the team lost to the eventual champion France in the semifinals.