Halep withdraws from Eastbourne to rest ahead of Wimbledon

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 9, 2018 Romania's Simona Halep in action during the final against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

(Reuters) - World number one Simona Halep has pulled out of next week's Nature Valley International in Eastbourne as she looks to regain full fitness ahead of Wimbledon.

The 26-year-old Romanian ended her long wait for a maiden grand slam title with the French Open triumph this month but said she sustained an Achilles tendon injury during the tournament.

"I'm very sorry to announce that I'm withdrawing from next week's Nature Valley International," Halep said in a statement posted on Twitter on Wednesday.

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 9, 2018 Romania’s Simona Halep celebrates by kissing the trophy after winning the final against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

"I was experiencing Achilles tendon pain and inflammation during the French Open and it has yet to fully recover. I've been advised by my doctors that it needs more rest while continuing treatment.

"I loved competing in Eastbourne last year and hope to see you at this wonderful event next year."

Halep is bidding to make her eighth appearance at Wimbledon, which begins on July 2.

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 9, 2018 Romania's Simona Halep in action during the final against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo

(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru)