Former world number one Simona Halep has retired from tennis.
Halep announced she had hung up her racquet following a first-round loss to Lucia Bronzetti at the Transylvania Open on Tuesday.
This may not have come as a surprise to some, however, as Halep hinted at retirement just a few short days ago due to injuries.
Halep resumed her tennis career at the 2024 Miami Open, but her return has been somewhat shortlived.
Now, she has taken to social media to thank her fans for their support over the years in a short and sweet message.
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Simona Halep thanks her supporters ‘for everything’
Tributes have been flooding in for the former 2019 Wimbledon winner following Halep’s announcement. It is clear she was a well-respected figure, both among her peers and around the world.
Then on Wednesday, she posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Thank you for everything. I leave full of gratitude,” which prompted a deluge of support from her followers.
One fan tweeted, “Good luck on your next chapter Simo. Forever my favourite player.”
Another commented, “One of my favorite tennis player ever, the fighter. Happy retirement Simona.”
One supporter put: “Happy retirement Simo. Don’t forget to keep smiling.”
Another wrote: “This news is very sad for me, it breaks my heart to see that you will not continue, tennis will not be the same without you, thank you for everything because you always had a magical touch when it came to playing, I will miss you very much, thank you for everything.”
One devoted fan insisted, “You were an amazing champ. That 2019 Wimbledon finals is stuff of legends. History will be kinder to your legacy!”
And another added, “Thank you for bringing so much joyful energy to tennis. You will always be my favorite WTA player. I try to model my own amateur game after yours—never give up on a point, be determined and passionate, enjoy the journey. Best wishes to you for your future endeavors!”
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Halep hints at future role in tennis after retirement
The 2018 French Open champion brought down a near 20-year career in professional tennis on Tuesday, with Halep going down as one of the greats of her generation.
It’s been a difficult past few years with this doping battle and injuries, but the 33-year-old seemed at peace with her decision – while hinting tennis fans may see her again.
Following her WTA Tour loss to Bronzetti, an emotional Halep told the crowd, “I’m making this decision with my soul. It’s a beautiful thing.
“I became world number one, I won Grand Slams, it’s all I wanted. Life goes on, there is life after tennis and I hope that we will see each other again.
“I’ll come to the tennis here as often as I can and of course I will continue to play – but to be competitive it requires much more and at this moment it is no longer.”
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