Simona Halep says good bye to tennis, ending stellar career
Halep expresses peace with her decision
Renowned Romanian tennis star Simona Halep has announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 33, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade and included 24 titles, including two Grand Slam victories.
Halep’s decision comes after her first-round loss to Lucia Bronzetti at the Transylvania Open, where she made a heartfelt statement confirming her choice to step away from the sport.
In her emotional announcement, Halep expressed peace with her decision, acknowledging the immense physical and mental strain required to compete at the highest level.
"I am at peace with this choice. I am a realistic person, and I understand the immense effort required to reach the top. My body and mind can no longer bear that level of strain. It is time to close this chapter," said Halep.
"Right now, all I want is rest. As an emotionally exhausted professional, I realize that without giving 100% each day, I can no longer compete at the highest level."
Halep's career, which began in 2010, was one of the most successful in tennis history. She won 24 titles, including two major Grand Slams: the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019. She also held the world No. 1 ranking for 64 weeks, solidifying her place among the greatest tennis players of all time.
Despite facing challenges, including a doping scandal that led to a provisional suspension in 2020, Halep’s resilience was evident when her four-year ban was reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
This allowed her to make a return to tennis in March 2024. However, her brief comeback did not replicate the dominant performances of her earlier years.
Her potential final match, a 1-6, 1-6 defeat at the Transylvania Open, seems to mark the end of her illustrious career. The tennis community, including Roland Garros, where Halep triumphed in 2018, paid tribute to her legacy on social media, stating, “Our 2018 champion, Simona Halep, has announced her retirement. We wish you all the best for the next chapter of your life, Simona.”
