Back injury forces Simona Halep to withdraw from WTA finals

The Romanian, who has a herniated disc, had hoped to be fit but is still experiencing pain and will be replaced in the field by Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens

Halep has already guaranteed she will finish the year on top of the rankings (Getty)

World No 1 Simona Halep has withdrawn from next week's WTA Finals in Singapore because of an ongoing back injury.

The Romanian, who has a herniated disc, had hoped to be fit but is still experiencing pain and will be replaced in the field by Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens.

Halep said: "Unfortunately, after much discussion with my team and doctors, I have made the decision to withdraw from the WTA Finals in Singapore.

"I wanted to finish 2018 on a high after such an incredible year, but sadly my back injury hasn't healed the way we hoped it would and I need to put my long-term health first.

"I'm sad I won't be able to play the fifth and final edition here in Singapore, but I'm confident this is the right decision and will do everything I can to be back fighting for my place at the WTA Finals next year."

Halep has already guaranteed she will finish the year on top of the rankings after a season that brought her a maiden grand slam title at the French Open.

Bertens has had a breakthrough season at the very top level and recently became the first Dutch player to make the top 10 for more than 20 years.

The 26-year-old, who reached the doubles final in Singapore 12 months ago with Swede Johanna Larsson, said: "I'm very happy with my season and to finish it off at the WTA Finals is the ultimate prize. I have great memories in Singapore."

PA