Simona Halep has provided more insight into the reasons behind her retirement from the China Open this week. 

The WTA World No.1 took to Twitter to tell followers that she has a disk hernia in her back and plans to speak to doctors over the coming days with regards her recovery.

Halep had lost the opening set of her first-round match against Ons Jabeur in Beijing when she was forced to quit with a back problem, which had hampered her during a 6-0, 7-5 loss to Dominika Cibulkova in Wuhan a week previous.

The Romanian subsequently revealed that she has had an MRI scan to investigate the problem.

“Hi everyone, wanted to give you a quick update,” she said on Twitter. 

“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.”

The 27-year-old, who has lost her last three WTA Tour matches and also suffered a surprise first-round exit at the hands of Kaia Kanepi in the US Open, has given no indication how long she could be away from the tennis court.