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[SPORTS] · Romania · 7 sources

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Simona Halep retires from tennis in emotive ceremony in Cluj‑Napoca

Former world No. 1 Simona Halep officially ended her tennis career at a farewell event on 13 June in BT Arena, Cluj‑Napoca. Thousands of spectators watched a demonstrative match featuring guests such as Gaël Monfils, Elina Svitolina and Andrei Pavel, while Romanian sport legends Nadia Comăneci, Gheorghe Hagi and Ilie Năstase were in attendance.

Halep delivered an emotional speech, saying, “A venit momentul să‑mi iau rămas bun… Mi‑aţi fost alături și mi‑aţi oferit sprijinul de care aveam nevoie.” She later posted on social media, reflecting that the retirement “closes a chapter of her life” and expressing a desire to “breathe, live and discover who she is beyond sport.”

The ceremony also featured a performance by Loredana Groza and a fashion spotlight on Halep’s satin gold dress, priced at about €1 500. The event marked the end of a career that included two Grand Slam titles and 24 weeks at world No. 1.