Simona Halep the second seed and Wimbledon title holder, has withdrawn from the Palermo Ladies Open 2020, to be held from 3th-9th Aug.

This is in reaction to a 14 day quarantine restriction imposed by Italy’s health ministry for visitors from Romania and Bulgaria.

Till Halep announced her decision via a tweet, her participation remained uncertain.

The tournament director Oliviero Palma clarified that after the Italian minister’s announcement there were many reservations about the news and the staff of Simona Halep was informed about the fact that professional players would not have to fulfill the quarantine requirement.

Mr. Palma added that the Simona team informed that they had already taken the withdrawal decision. Which the organizers deeply regretted.

As a additional clarification, Mr. Palma mentioned that the health minister had informed Halep staff through a notice explaining that the government notification does not apply to workers and professional athletes.