Retired Grand Slam champion says she ‘feels close to tennis again’ after WTA return

Simona Halep has sent a message to fans after returning to the Transylvania Open as an ambassador.

The two-time Grand Slam champion retired at the Romanian event last year after losing to Lucia Bronzetti in the first round.

The star watched on as her compatriot Sorana Cirstea dominated Emma Raducanu in the final to lift the trophy.

After spending a week back in the WTA Tour fold, Simona Halep sent a message to her fans on social media.

Simona Halep sends ‘see you soon’ message after tennis return

Halep surprisingly never won the Transylvania Open, although she did lose a final to Anett Kontaveit in 2021.

The Romanian star spent the week at her home tournament conducting press and she awarded the trophy to Cirstea after the final.

Reflecting on her return to the WTA 250 event on X, Halep said: “A magical week at the Transylvania Open 2026.

“So happy to be part of this tournament as an ambassador and to feel close to tennis again. Congrats to the incredible team for all the hard work behind the scenes. Thank you for the beautiful welcome! See you soon!”

Halep won 24 career titles in her career, including the 2018 Roland Garros and 2019 Wimbledon, both of which under the watchful eye of Darren Cahill.

The star reached the top of the WTA Tour rankings in 2017 and she spent a total of 64 weeks as the best-ranked player in the world.

What Simona Halep has said about playing tennis again

While Halep has not officially announced a return to tennis, the Romanian icon has admitted to missing the sport immensely.

The star’s retirement came out of the blue, particularly as the star had been teasing a comeback at the beginning of the 2025 season.

Speaking about stepping away from the sport, she admitted: “It was a difficult moment when I announced my retirement, but it was also a pleasant moment, because I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore.

“I thought the time would come soon, because physically I was no longer fit for a high level. I told myself it was much better to retire and take care of my body, but it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, one hundred percent.”

After a year out of action, Halep also provided an update on her physical condition during her retirement.

“I was exhausted after my entire career, but now I’m fresh, I feel like I want to get back into tennis as much as possible, and I’m glad I can start, being at the Transylvania Open, the place where I stopped playing tennis.”