World number three and two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep pulled out of this year's French Open due to a left calf injury.

Halep, a winner at Roland Garros in 2018, announced on social media that she will not be able to recover in time from the injury which she suffered this month during the Italian Open when facing Angelique Kerber.

"It's with a heavy heart that I announce my withdrawal from Roland Garros this year. Unfortunately, the tear in my left calf needs more time to recover and the timeline is just too short. 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 wrote on Friday.

"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. Roland Garros 2022, I'm coming for you! A bientot."

Halep won the French Open, her maiden Grand Slam, at the third attempt after suffering defeats against Maria Sharapova and Jelena Ostapenko in 2014 and 2017.

As a three-time finalist and former champion, she would have been one of the favourites going into the tournament.

The 29-year-old Romanian will be hoping to make a full recovery in time to defend her title at Wimbledon which is due to begin on June 28.

(With input from agencies)