Question marks for Halep, Kerber ahead of Singapore

Reigning Grand Slam champions Simona Halep and Angelique Kerber approach the WTA Finals in unsettled positions – but for very different reasons.

Halep’s ongoing back troubles forced her out of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, where she was the top seed.

The Roland Garros winner struggled with the injury in her opening-round loss to Dominika Cibulkova in Wuhan and the next week retired after losing the first set to Ons Jabeur in her first match in Beijing.

She later revealed she was suffering from a herniated disc, but was cleared to continue playing by doctors and after rehabbing the injury wanted to participate in the Kremlin Cup to “test it out”.

I really wanted to play here in Moscow, but unfortunately my back is still causing me pain and I don't want to take any unnecessary risks.

While it's disappointing to withdraw, I know it's important to put my health first. I wish the tournament great success ???? pic.twitter.com/vqGiclchyD

— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) October 16, 2018

But it seems the problem hasn’t resolved enough to play. “I tried everything I could to be ready here as I really wanted to play but unfortunately the back is still causing me pain and I don’t want to take any risks,” she said.

“While it’s disappointing to withdraw, I know it’s important to put my health first. I’ve had a few wonderful days in Moscow and wish the tournament every success.”

Halep, who is currently on a four-match losing streak, has four days to get ready for the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore.

Halep said this on Sunday regarding her chances of playing Singapore:
”If I’m not able to play here [in Moscow] then I’m very doubtful that I’ll be able to play Singapore because it’s very fast. For sure I’ll take a decision for my health first.”https://t.co/9MBvrqqLeB

— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) October 16, 2018

She is the only player in the elite eight-player field to have qualified for all five editions of the tournament held in Singapore.

And she has already locked up the year-end No.1 ranking for a second straight year.

Kerber, meanwhile, has just days out from the prestigious event split with coach Wim Fissette.

The partnership – which began less than one year ago – is credited with reviving Kerber, who after slipping outside the top 20 to end a disappointing 2017 has since won Wimbledon and returned to the top five.

It is not known if Kerber has yet found a replacement, and it is expected to she will travel to Singapore without a coach.

Kerber splits with Fissette! Because of some requests we have translated the statement of her management into Englisch. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/FkmmG8Lo2Q

— tennis MAGAZIN (@tennismagazin) October 16, 2018

Fissette adds Kerber to a growing list of successful – if short – partnerships with high-profile players.

Prior to working with the now three-time Grand Slam champion he coached Johanna Konta, Victoria Azarenka, Simona Halep, Sabine Lisicki and Kim Clijsters.

Kerber reached the Singapore final in 2016, her best result at a tournament she has now qualified for five times.

Joining Halep and Kerber in the WTA Finals field are Caroline Wozniacki, Naomi Osaka, Petra Kvitova and Sloane Stephens.

The final two qualifiers are yet to be determined.