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Simona Halep says she feels “protected” after receiving the coronavirus vaccine in February; the 29-year-old tested positive for the virus last October; ATP and WTA have recommended that players get vaccinated but it is not mandatory
Last updated: 08/18/21 8:07 am
Simona Halep called on other tennis members to get coronavirus shots
Former world No.1 Simona Halep says she is no longer afraid of COVID-19 after being vaccinated and called on other members of the sport to get vaccinated to allow tennis to ease health restrictions and security.
Halep, who turns 30 next month, did not travel to New York for the US Open Grand Slam last September due to the pandemic, but then tested positive for the virus in October.
The Romanian, who won her opening game of the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, received the vaccine in February.
“I am not afraid because I am vaccinated,” Halep told reporters. “I feel protected. I take care. I wear the mask when there are a lot of people.”
Professional tennis, which requires players to travel around the world, was closed for five months last year as countries locked borders to stem the spread of the virus.
Tours returned to empty stadiums last year, with players having to stay in biosecure “bubbles” and continue playing in front of a handful of fans at best.
The ATP and WTA have recommended that players get the shot and have implemented new protocols to encourage them to get the shot.
“I don’t like bubbles,” Halep said. “I feel very stressed when I’m in the bubble.
“So if people can vaccinate more and more (it) will be better, because we will have no more restrictions.”
Stefanos Tsitsipas has not yet taken the COVID-19 vaccine
Stefanos Tsitsipas has said he will only get the COVID-19 vaccine if it becomes mandatory to participate in tennis.
The 23-year-old Greek player is among those still hesitant to get the shot, despite the men’s ATP Tour publicly encouraging players to get the shot.
Halep claimed her first victory since May after the three-time finalist defeated Magda Linette 6-4 3-6 6-1 only returning to the tour in Montreal last week.
The 12th seed had been sidelined for three months after suffering a torn calf muscle in Rome.
“The main goal is just to be healthy and to play as much as possible, because I need the matches, the official matches,” she said.
“Even though I train a lot, the house is not the same. To gain confidence I have to keep playing games. I hope I can win a few more.”
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