Two-Time Grand Slam Winner Bids Farewell
Simona Halep, the two-time Grand Slam champion, announced that she was retiring from professional tennis. She announced the move following a first-round loss 1-6, 1-6 to Aleksandra Krunic in the Transylvania Open played on home turf. The news comes as an end of a difficult return into the game following a string of injuries as the player looked to bounce back after serving a nine-month doping ban.
Halep, at 33, has had a brilliant career. She won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019. Her Wimbledon title came with beating Serena Williams in the final. Reaching world No. 1 in 2017, Halep looked like she was going to be there for a long time. However, injuries persisted that limited her to not having an even better career.
Halep's Emotional Farewell
Amid the varied emotions, Halep spoke in front of the fans on this decision.
"It is a little happy, and I am a little sad too. But with this decision, I feel relieved. And the very least thing, I am realistic about myself also. My body is not helping me the way it used to. It's really tough to be at the top. I know how it is possible. That is why I came here today to bid adieu to playing in front of you. I don't want to cry. I have achieved the number one ranking. I have won Grand Slams. I have done everything I wanted to."
Doping ban and injury issues
The former world number one was handed a four-year ban over the use of a banned substance. Then, she appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It reduced her sentence to nine months in March last year. In April, returning to court, Halep faced multiple physical setbacks. Halep withdrew from the Australian Open qualifying tournament owing to knee and shoulder injuries. She hadn't competed in a Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open.
A Career to Remember
With all that was happening at the end, the legacy she will leave is simply impressive with 24 singles titles. All achievements on court as well as endurance through hardship guarantee her position as one of tennis's elites.
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