Simona Halep’s career was marked by success, but also by a doping suspension. Now the Romanian tennis star has ended her career.
Former world number one Simona Halep has announced her retirement. The 33-year-old announced her decision after losing 1-6, 1-6 to Italian Lucia Bronzetti in the first round of her home tournament in Cluj. Halep won the 2018 French Open, Wimbledon 2019 and earned over $40 million in prize money.
In October 2022, Halep was provisionally suspended for a positive doping test. After irregularities in the blood pass, she was banned from September 2023 to October 2026. However, the International Court of Justice for Sport (Cas) shortened the ban to nine months, and Halep was eligible to play again from March 2024.
“I am a very realistic person. I know what work needs to be done. My brain and body no longer allow it. I am so fulfilled professionally that the decision was an easy one for me,” said Halep. Among other things, the Romanian has knee problems.
