Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam winner, has stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement at the age of 33. The decision comes following a disappointing first-round defeat at a tournament in her native Romania, marking the end of a tumultuous comeback journey marred by injuries and a doping suspension.
Addressing the crowd in Cluj, Romania after a 6-1, 6-1 loss to Lucia Bronzetti at the Transylvania Open, Halep expressed mixed emotions, stating, “I don’t know if it’s with sadness or joy — I think I’m feeling both — but my soul is at peace with this decision, and I’ve always been realistic with myself. My body can no longer handle as much as it used to, to get me where I probably once was.”
Acknowledging the challenges she faced in her comeback bid, Halep reflected, “It’s very hard to reach that level, and I know what it takes to get there. That’s why I wanted to be here today, in Cluj, to play in front of you and say goodbye on the tennis court, even if my performance wasn’t great.”
This marked Halep’s first match of the year, having recently received a wild-card invitation to compete in Romania after withdrawing from the Australian Open and a tournament in Auckland due to knee and shoulder pain.
A former world No. 1, Halep achieved Grand Slam victories at Wimbledon in 2019 and the French Open in 2018. Additionally, she finished as a runner-up at Grand Slam events, including the Australian Open in 2018 and the French Open in 2014 and 2017.
Halep’s last major appearance was at the 2022 U.S. Open, where she suffered a first-round exit and tested positive for the banned substance Roxadustat. The drug, used to treat anemia caused by chronic kidney failure, sparked a doping controversy that led to a reduced suspension following an appeal.
Despite expressing regret over her enforced break from the sport, Halep emphasized her gratitude for her achievements, stating, “To be competitive again requires much more, and at this moment, it’s no longer possible. I don’t want to cry — this is something beautiful. I reached world No. 1, I won Grand Slams; it’s everything I ever wanted.”
Simona Halep leaves behind a remarkable legacy in tennis, with 24 singles titles and over $40 million in prize money to her name. Her retirement marks the end of an era for the sport, as fans and fellow players bid farewell to a true legend.
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Associated Press writer Stephen McGrath in Sighisoara, Romania, contributed to this report.
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