Simona Halep earns yearend WTA top ranking anew

LONDON –  Simona Halep is back as the yearend No. 1 for the second year in a row, despite a back injury that doctors say could lead to a long-term problem.

Halep, who won her first major title at this year’s French Open, clinched the yearend top tennis ranking on Monday but may be forced to pull out of the upcoming Kremlin Cup and the season-ending WTA Finals because of a herniated disk.

“I haven’t practiced 100 percent yet but today, tomorrow, I will do close to 100,’’ Halep said in a conference call, “and I will be able to know better the next day.

“The doctor told me it’s nothing about the surgery, but if I will keep playing there is a risk of long-term injury. I don’t need that and I don’t want that, so I have to make good decisions in the next days.’’