Halep, who maintained her innocence following the charges, has fond memories of Melbourne Park, where she was runner-up to Caroline Wozniacki in 2018

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep, working her way back from a drug suspension, and Hall of Famer Lleyton Hewitt's 16-year-old son Cruz were among the players awarded wild-card entries Wednesday for Australian Open qualifying next month.

Lleyton Hewitt's 16-year-old son Cruz Hewitt has received a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifiers, alongside Bernard Tomic and former women's world number one Simona Halep.

Former world number one Simona Halep, whose career stalled due to a doping ban that was reduced on appeal this year, will step up her comeback at the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard for the qualifying tournament on Wednesday.

The Australian Open wildcard announcements for the qualifiers have sparked debate, particularly surrounding 16-year-old Cruz Hewitt, son of former World No.

Simona Halep will have a chance to earn a spot in the Australian Open main draw after the tournament organizers decided to award her a qualifying wildcard.

2018 finalist Simona Halep has been awarded a qualifying wild card for the 2025 Australian Open, the tournament announced on Wednesday.

Former world number one Simona Halep, who returned from a doping ban this year, receives a wildcard for Australian Open qualifying.

Simona Halep’s comeback to WTA action has been given a major boost after it was confirmed the former world No 1 had received a wildcard into Australian Open qualifying. Former world No 1 and two-time Grand Slam winner Halep has not played at a major since the 2022 US Open,