Halep pulls out of Aegon Classic

The Romanian reached the quarter-finals of the tournament 12 months ago, but will start her grass-court season later than scheduled this year due to an issue with her left Achilles.

"I have almost two weeks to recover before Wimbledon so I will take a few days rest and then some treatment and then start to play again."

World number five Simona Halep has withdrawn from the Aegon Classic in Birmingham next week due to an Achilles injury.

The Romanian reached the quarter-finals of the tournament 12 months ago, but will start her grass-court season later than scheduled this year due to an issue with her left Achilles.

"I started to feel it since I came here. I have some fluid inside the tendon, so the doctor says that I have to rest for a few days. It's nothing serious but it's a bit sore." the third seed said.

"I have almost two weeks to recover before Wimbledon so I will take a few days rest and then some treatment and then start to play again.

"I'm really disappointed. This was my first tournament on grass and it was important to have some important to have some matches, but I cannot change things.

"It's important to take care of my body. I would like to come back next year for sure, it's my second time here and I like this tournament. I hope to come back next year and I look forward to having another chance to play in front of the fans here."