Simona Halep, the celebrated Romanian tennis star and two-time Grand Slam champion, has announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 33. In a touching statement following her first-round loss to Lucia Bronzetti at the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca, Halep revealed that she had made peace with her decision and was ready to close this chapter of her life.
“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,” said Halep. “It is time to close this chapter. 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.”
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Throughout her impressive career, which began in 2010, Halep accumulated 24 titles, including Grand Slam victories at Roland Garros in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019. She also held the world No. 1 ranking for 64 weeks, solidifying her place as one of the sport’s greatest players.
Despite her success, Halep’s career was not without controversy. She faced a provisional suspension in 2020 following a doping scandal, although her four-year ban was later reduced to nine months. After returning to the sport in 2024, her results did not meet the expectations of her previous dominance. Her final match at the Transylvania Open, a heavy defeat, may mark the end of her tennis journey.
Roland Garros, where Halep achieved one of her greatest triumphs, paid tribute to the champion, wishing her all the best in the next phase of her life.
