Simona Halep officially retires from tennis at emotional gala in Cluj, surrounded by legends and her Grand Slam trophies
Former world number one Simona Halep played her final official farewell at a star-studded ceremony in Cluj-Napoca, drawing 10,000 fans and a host of Romanian and international sports icons.
A grand farewell in Cluj
Around 10,000 spectators filled BT Arena on 13 June 2026 for "Simona, last dance", the gala that marked Simona Halep's official retirement from professional tennis. The event, part of the seventh edition of the Sports Festival, was hosted by Andi Moisescu and Andrew Krasny, with Krasny making nearly a day-long trip from Los Angeles. Halep, visibly emotional, delivered a speech thanking those who stood by her during her career.
Thank you Romania! Here I was born, here I grew up. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for not doubting me when things were hard.
Stars and legends on court
The evening included a series of exhibition matches. Halep partnered with her father, Stere Halep, against the pair of Elina Svitolina and Gaël Monfils, and later joined Andrei Pavel to face Svitolina and Monfils again. In a moment dedicated to the next generation, Halep exchanged a few balls with an 8-year-old admirer from Cluj. The playing surface itself was a tribute: one half painted green for her Wimbledon title, the other orange for her Roland Garros triumph.
It is very special because my whole life is here. These trophies, these people who supported me all the time, even in hard moments… I don't regret anything and I just want to thank life and the universe for everything I have received.
Trophies, music and memories
All of Halep's career trophies were displayed on a table at centre court, a first-time assembly for the public. Loredana Groza opened the show with the national anthem and later performed an adapted version of ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All" while personal images from Halep's family life and career were projected on the screens. Vice-president of the Romanian Tennis Federation, Daniel Dobre, presented her with a special trophy commemorating her Grand Slam victories.
I am a fulfilled person. I love you all very much!
Among the many dignitaries in attendance were gymnastics icon Nadia Comăneci, football legend Gheorghe Hagi, tennis greats Ilie Năstase and Virginia Ruzici, and Halep's former coaches Darren Cahill and Daniel Dobre. Halep closed her career as a former world No.1 and the only Romanian to win both Wimbledon and Roland Garros singles titles.
