It’s been a year since Simona Halep retired from tennis…

Halep played her final professional match at the 2025 Transylvania Open, losing in the first round before announcing her retirement on February 4.

A year later, Halep has returned to Romania, this time serving as an honorary ambassador for the same tournament where she ended her career.

During this week’s event, she was seen in the crowd for Emma Raducanu’s win over Greet Minnen. The British star even mentioned Halep in her post-match interview.

“I knew she was there, so I was trying not to think about it, not to get nervous. But it was really nice to know that she was there and present,” Raducanu said.

Halep has since posted on X, commenting on the tournament so far and hinting at whether she misses life on tour.

Simona Halep says she is ‘at peace’ with her decision to retire

“Back on this court, one year after saying goodbye to professional tennis, in a completely new role,” said Halep.

“Grateful for the journey, at peace with my decision, and proud of everything I achieved.

“Thank you for the love I still receive every day.”

Halep is expected to present the winner’s trophy at the end of the 2026 Transylvania Open.

The fans in Romania would love nothing more than to see Sorana Cirstea win it all on home soil. Raducanu is another name that locals would be happy to cheer on as well.

Simona Halep’s title success in Romania

Halep, widely regarded as the best tennis player Romania has ever produced, did manage to win titles on home soil during her career.

She claimed two Bucharest Open titles on clay but never managed to win the Transylvania Open, despite playing in the tournament’s first-ever final.

Halep became the first of three Romanian players to lose in a Transylvania Open final, with the tournament still waiting for its first homegrown champion. While she never lifted the trophy as a player, Halep is expected to present it this year.

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