Tennis
5 Feb 2025
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Simona Halep Retires from Tennis: Two-Time Grand Slam Champion Bids Farewell

Simona Halep beat Serena Williams in the 2019 Wimbledon final

Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one, has officially announced her retirement from professional tennis at the Transylvania Open.

The 33-year-old Romanian made an emotional statement following her 6-1, 6-1 first-round defeat to Lucia Bronzetti, citing ongoing injury struggles as a key factor in her decision.

Halep on Retirement: “It’s a Beautiful Thing”

“I’m making this decision with my soul. I became world number one, I won Grand Slams—it’s all I wanted. Life goes on, and I hope we will see each other again.”

Halep admitted that while she will continue playing tennis recreationally, she can no longer compete at the highest level due to the physical demands of the sport.


The Challenges Leading to Her Decision

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Halep’s retirement discussions began last month after she withdrew from Australian Open qualifying due to a persistent knee injury.

This week’s tournament in Romania was only her fifth event since returning to the WTA Tour following a doping ban that lasted nearly two years.

Despite maintaining her innocence, Halep was originally handed a four-year suspension after testing positive for a banned substance in August 2022.

CAS Ruling (2024): The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that, “on the balance of probabilities,” Halep had not taken roxadustat intentionally.
Ban Reduction: The ruling reduced her suspension to nine months, allowing her to return in March 2024.
Performance Struggles: Since her comeback, she played just six matches, winning only once.

“I’ve always been realistic with myself and my body. It’s hard to get back to where I was, and I know what it takes,” Halep admitted.


Halep’s Legacy: A Career to Remember

French Open Champion (2018) – Won her first Grand Slam after recovering from a set and break down against Sloane Stephens.
Wimbledon Champion (2019)Stunned Serena Williams in 56 minutes, committing just three unforced errors in a near-perfect match.
64 Weeks as World Number One – One of the longest-reigning WTA No.1s.
24 Career WTA Titles – Including victories in prestigious events like Indian Wells and the Rogers Cup.


A Fragile End to a Brilliant Career

According to BBC Tennis Correspondent Russell Fuller, Halep’s downfall came swiftly:

“In 2022, she was a top-10 player and Wimbledon semi-finalist. It would’ve seemed ludicrous to suggest she’d never win another tour-level match. But time lost to the ban and an unresponsive body made a comeback impossible.”

Despite the challenges of her final years, Halep’s Grand Slam victories will remain a defining part of tennis history.

💬 How will you remember Simona Halep’s career? Drop your thoughts below! 👇

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