returned to the WTA Tour last month<\/a> after her four-year ban was reduced to nine months on appeal.<\/p>\nThe Romanian was free to return immediately and was given a wildcard for the Miami Open, where she lost to Spain’s Paula Badosa in round one.<\/p>\n
Madrid will be the two-time Grand Slam champion’s second tournament back.<\/p>\n
“Muchas gracias for this wildcard opportunity,” Halep posted on X.<\/p>\n
“Madrid has always been a special tournament for me, with happy memories and I’m grateful to be able to make more.”<\/p>\n
The Madrid Open starts on 22 April and concludes on 5 May.<\/p>\n
Former French Open champion Halep is a two-time winner of the clay-court event, which is part of the WTA 1,000 series and one of the leading tournaments outside the four Grand Slams.<\/p>\n
It is one of the key pillars of the European clay-court season, which culminates at the French Open in June.<\/p>\n
Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki<\/b>, who returned in August after having two children, has also received a wildcard, along with Japan’s injury-hit Kei Nishikori<\/b> and Spanish teenager Martin Landaluce<\/b> in the men’s singles.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the ATP has announced the Madrid Open will launch the trial of a new men’s doubles format which the governing body says aims to “increase the exposure and marketing appeal”.<\/p>\n
The major change will see 16 spots in the 32-team draw being given to pairs made up of singles players.<\/p>\n
There will also be a streamlined five-day schedule for the event, while time between shots and changeovers will be reduced in an attempt to speed up matches. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
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