Simona Halep, the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, has announced her retirement from professional tennis following a crushing defeat at the Transylvania Open in Romania. The 33-year-old, playing in her first competitive match of 2025, was handed a wildcard for the tournament but struggled against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, who secured a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory in just 59 minutes.
In an emotional on-court interview, Halep reflected on her decision, acknowledging the mix of emotions she felt as she bid farewell to the sport. “Tonight, I don’t know if it’s with joy or sadness. I think both feelings are trying me, but I’m making this decision with my soul,” she said. “I’ve always been realistic with myself and my body. Where I probably was, it’s very hard to get there again, and I know what it takes to reach that level.”
Playing in front of home fans in Cluj, Halep expressed gratitude for the support she had received throughout her career. “That’s why I wanted to come here today, to play in front of you and say goodbye. Even though my performance wasn’t very good, I gave my soul, and I’m very glad you came.” She held back tears as she continued, “It’s a beautiful thing. I became world No. 1, I won Grand Slams it’s all I ever wanted. Life goes on, there is life after tennis, and I hope we will see each other again.”
Halep’s career has been marked by resilience and determination, but injuries have taken their toll. Last year, she was handed a four-year doping ban, later reduced to nine months after it was determined that a contaminated supplement was responsible. Since then, her return to the sport has been challenging. She last competed on the WTA Tour in October in Hong Kong and played in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi in December. However, she withdrew from Australian Open qualifying, citing persistent knee and shoulder pain.
In the lead-up to her final match, Halep admitted that retirement had been on her mind frequently. “I am old. I have injuries that I can’t recover from. My knee is not recovering,” she told a Romanian publication earlier this week.
Despite stepping away from the professional circuit, Halep assured fans that her love for the sport remains intact. “I will continue to play, but to be competitive requires much more, and at this moment, I can no longer do it.” She also promised to stay connected to tennis, attending matches whenever possible.
As one of Romania’s greatest athletes, Halep leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and excellence. Her journey from a promising junior to world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion inspired many, and her impact on the sport will endure beyond her retirement.
