<p>BUCHAREST, Romania — Third-ranked Simona Halep withdrew from the French Open on Friday because of a calf injury.</p>
<p>The 29-year-old Romanian, who won the title at Roland Garros in 2018, tore a muscle in her left calf at the Italian Open and said it needs more time to heal. The French Open begins May 30.</p>
<p>“Withdrawing from a Grand Slam goes against all my instincts and aspirations as an athlete, but it is the right and only decision to make,” Halep said.</p>
<p>Halep is a three-time finalist at the French Open. She beat Sloane Stephens in the 2018 final in Paris for her first major singles title.</p>
<p>“The thought of not being in Paris fills me with sadness, but I will focus my energy on recovery, staying positive and getting back on court as soon as it is safe to do so,” she said.</p>
<p>Halep is the defending champion at Wimbledon, winning the title in 2019. Last year’s tournament was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>
<p>This year’s Wimbledon tournament is scheduled to start on June 28.</p>
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