The Palermo Ladies Open is set to kick off in just five days, but the tournament is seeing more top names trickle out of the event. Johanna Konta and Simona Halep are among the most recent stars to pull out of the WTA's first event in nearly five months.

Halep withdrew after Italy confirmed a new mandatory quarantine rule for travelers from Romania. The coronavirus cases are currently rising in the two-time Grand Slam champion's home country, which also raised concerns about traveling anywhere at this time.

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However, tournament director Oliviero Palma, informed Halep's team that professional athletes were exempt from this mandate. A regional health minister also reached out to Halep, explaining that workers and professional athletes do not fall under the ordinance.

"We had informed Halep's staff in detail about the fact that professional players shouldn't have to go into quarantine," Palma said to ESPN.

Although disappointed, Halep's decision to skip the Italy event was already made. Two days later Konta would follow suit.

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The Brit suffered a surprising loss to Jodie Burrage on Day 1 of the Battle of the Brits team event and then pulled out of Palermo. Konta would have taken Halep's place as the top seed but will instead focus on preparing for Kentucky.

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As of now, Konta is expected to compete in the Top Seed Open on August 10. Meanwhile, Jil Teichmann is still set to defend her Palermo crown.