Former World No. 1 Simona Halep bids farewell to tennis

Romanian tennis star and former world number one Simona Halep has announced her retirement from professional tennis.

The two-time Grand Slam champion made the announcement after losing in the first round of a tournament in her hometown, she suffered a heavy defeat against Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, losing 1-6, 1-6.

Speaking about her retirement, Halep expressed mixed emotions. “I don’t know if I’m announcing this with happiness or sadness. Maybe both. I have always been realistic with myself,” she said.

She further stated, “My body no longer allows me to reach the level I once played at. But I won’t cry because I was world number one, I won two Grand Slam titles, and I have achieved everything I wanted.”

The 33-year-old had previously faced a doping ban during her career, which affected her playing time and rankings.