The news of Simona Halep’s retirement saw an influx of social media users hit out at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
On Tuesday, the two-time Grand Slam champion decided to hang up her racquet for good after a controversial end to her tennis career.
That decision was made after Halep was thrashed 6-1 6-1 by Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti at the Transylvania Open in Cluj. The loss was just her sixth appearance after returning from a nine-month drug ban.
Originally, the Romanian star had been hit with a four-year suspension but had it reduced on appeal. Furthermore, injury problems seriously hampered Halep’s comeback whereby she eventually accepted her time on court was up.
The 33-year-old had a distinguished career which saw her spend 64 weeks as the world No 1. More notably, Halep won the 2018 French Open as well as beating Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final a year later.
Simona Halep Announces Retirement From Professional Tennis
“I feel both sadness and joy – both feelings are trying me at the moment,” Simona Halep said after her defeat to Bronzetti on Tuesday.
“But I make this decision with a peaceful soul. My body can’t take that much anymore to get to where I was, it’s very difficult for me to get there and I know what effort that entails.
“That’s exactly why I came here to Cluj to play in front of you and to get feedback from you. Even though my performance wasn’t the best, I’m very glad you came. I don’t want to cry, I became world number 1, I won Grand Slams, everything I wanted. Life goes on after tennis and I hope to see you as often as possible.
“I will still come to tennis, but to be competitive means much more and, at this moment, it’s no longer possible.”
64 weeks at World No. 1️⃣
2 Grand Slam titles 🏆🏆
24 WTA singles titles 👏
1 amazing career, @Simona_Halep pic.twitter.com/B3nFFAi6gw— wta (@WTA) February 5, 2025
Simona Halep’s Retirement Sees Fans Hit Out At WTA
At the US Open in 2022, Simona Halep tested positive for the blood-boosting drug Roxadustat. The Romanian star explained that a contaminated supplement with the drug was the reason it was in her system.
An independent tribunal didn’t accept her claims an imposed a four-year ban. The punishment was reduced to nine months after a successful appeal to the CAS.
Nonetheless, tennis fans hit out at the WTA after they were accused of not helping her. Many vented their frustrations on X (formerly Twitter).
“Congratulations to Simona Halep for a great career in tennis. Unfortunately she was not treated fairly regarding her suspension,” said one user.
“Thank you for ruining her last stage of career,” another bemoaned.
“I would have liked you to protect Simona, but you failed,” a third wrote.
“She deserved more from you. She was treated unfairly. Simona You’re great,” a fourth explained.
Congratulations to Simona Halep for a great career in tennis. Unfortunately she was not treated fairly regarding her suspension.
— Linda (@linmarlett) February 5, 2025
Thank you for ruining her last stage of career.
— 17×28 (@Rish_Roh) February 5, 2025
I would have liked you to protect Simona, but you failed @WTA
— Lavinia 🌸🩵 (@Lavinia110202) February 5, 2025
She deserved more from you. She was treated unfairly.
Simona You're great!!!
— Mariana 🍁 (@AlwaystennisGO) February 5, 2025
