Simona Halep‘s season could be over after the world number one revealed she has suffered a herniated disc.

Halep sustained the problem in Wuhan last week and withdrew after losing the first set of her opening clash with Ons Jabeur in Beijing on Sunday.

Writing on Twitter, Halep said: “Hi everyone, wanted to give you a quick update. I had an MRI on my back and found out I have a disk hernia. I will discuss with doctors in the next few days but hope to be back soon and will keep you updated. Thanks for all your support.”

With the WTA Finals in Singapore, for which the Romanian has already qualified, beginning on October 21, Halep is in a race against time to be fit for the season-ending event.

The 27-year-old won her maiden grand slam at the French Open in June and has a clear lead at the top of the rankings but is now on a four-match losing streak having not won a match since the semi-finals in Cincinnati in August.