Simona Halep retires from tennis after crushing defeat in Romania | Simona Halep

Simona Halep retires from tennis after crushing defeat in Romania | Simona Halep

Simona Halep, the former world No 1, has made the decision to retire from professional tennis following a disappointing defeat in her first match of 2025. The two-time grand slam champion suffered a heavy loss at the Transylvania Open in Romania, where she won just two games against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti.

In an emotional on-court interview, Halep expressed mixed feelings about her retirement, saying, “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.” Despite her lackluster performance, she thanked her fans for their support and hinted at the possibility of returning to the court in the future.

Reflecting on her successful career, which included reaching the pinnacle of the sport as world No 1 and winning multiple grand slam titles, Halep acknowledged that it was time to move on to the next chapter of her life. She emphasized the importance of listening to her body and accepting the realities of aging and injuries.

Halep, who previously served a reduced doping ban due to a contaminated supplement, had been struggling with ongoing knee and shoulder issues. These physical challenges, combined with her age, ultimately led her to the difficult decision to retire from professional tennis.

While Halep plans to remain involved in the tennis community and continue playing recreationally, she recognizes that the demands of competitive tennis are no longer sustainable for her. Despite the bittersweet nature of her retirement, she looks forward to the future and the opportunities that lie ahead beyond the tennis court.