Romanian tennis star Simona Halep has had a difficult last two years, especially after she was ranked roughly World No.1. With persistent injuries and a tough homecoming to seasoned tennis, the tennis star has started to share increasing thoughts of retirement. The 2019 Wimbledon Champion confessed in a frank interview that she frequently considers quitting the sport. Her tennis career has suffered due to several injuries sustained over a long and tempestuous hiatus following a doping suspension. Notwithstanding this, the Romanian tennis star is still happy with her past successes, as she has won two Grand Slam events and hit No. 1 as per global standings.

Halep was allowed to return to the WTA Tour in February 2024 after successfully appealing her doping suspension, but the Romanian’s return has been far from easy. Since her return, the 33-year-old has only participated in two official WTA Tour tournaments. The first was in March at the Miami Open, where she fell in the first round, and another in October at the Hong Kong Tennis Open, where she exited early. Her battle with injuries—especially in her shoulder and knee—has shown signs that she could be limited in her court time.

Of course, I think about retiring, and this goes through my mind very often. I am old, I have injuries that I can’t recover from. My knee is not recovering. I have always said that tennis is not life in its entirety. Of course, I still have many desires and goals in this life after tennis. Everything I have done in tennis has been extraordinary, I have worked for it and I feel like a very fulfilled tennis player. I would like to do something else, not just tennis.

Simona Halep said on Golazo.ro.

Simona Halep’s Career At A Crossroads

Simona Halep

Simona Halep’s career has seen outstanding peaks and severe lows. From climbing to the top of the tennis world to winning two Grand Slam singles events, she was one of the best players in the world at one time. The 33-year-old has 24 singles titles, thanks partly to her devotion to the game. Her time as World No.1 helped her entrench herself in tennis history.

My knee is still giving me a headache because it’s a cartilage tear and it’s not easy to manage. At the moment it doesn’t hurt, but I haven’t had any official matches either. That’s the problem.

Simona Halep added.

Still, several physical and mental obstacles have beset Halep’s career. Her biggest setback was the US Open, where she tested positive for the prohibited chemical Roxadustat, for which she was suspended in 2022. Though her initial two-year ban was cut to nine months on appeal, the whole experience stopped her career trajectory. The Romanian felt hard done by after similar doping cases of Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek were shown leniency.

Injury Struggles And Limited Returns

Simona Halep has encountered more losses than victories in the months following her competitive tennis return. Notwithstanding qualifying for the 2025 Australian Open qualifiers on a wildcard, the Romanian pulled out of the event because of continuous knee and shoulder problems. Her physical limitations, which have limited her capacity to operate at the top stage, have hampered her efforts to come back meaningfully.

Halep’s health problems have called her next in tennis into question. Her body can’t operate at its best after a 2023 WTA Tour absence because of her suspension, followed by physical battles. Although she wants to remain competitive at the age of 33, the chances of her recapturing her old form seem to be diminishing.

End Of Rant

Simona Halep’s tennis career is marked by amazing success and great difficulties. Her injuries and time off from the tour make the prospect of retirement great as she nears the later stages of her career. Still, the 33-year-old is a proud and talented player who is happy with her successes. The 2018 French Open champion tennis legacy is already guaranteed, whether she keeps competing or takes a break from the sport. For more fearless sports coverage, visit Stadium Rant.