Kim Clijsters praises Simona Halep’s resilience despite a difficult end to her career: “I hope she can look back on the positives”
WTA
Kim Clijsters expressed her sadness over former world No. 1 Simona Halep’s recent retirement during her latest appearance on Served with Roddick. The four-time Grand Slam champion praised Halep’s remarkable career, which came to an abrupt end at the recent Transylvania Open.
The Romanian was suspended back in 2022 after testing positive in an anti-doping test. Initially facing a four-year ban, her innocence was later proven, allowing her to return to the Tour in March 2024. Unfortunately for Halep, she was never able to regain her form.
The two-time Grand Slam champion competed in two Challenger tournaments and three WTA events upon her return, posting a 1-5 record. Persistent injuries kept her from playing consistently, preventing her from reaching the competitive level she once had.
In a recent episode of Served with Andy Roddick, former Belgian star Kim Clijsters shared her thoughts on Halep’s career ending in such an unexpected manner.
“I feel sad for her in a way. The last few years haven't exactly been kind to her. She hasn't been able to make a lasting comeback and stay fit after such a long absence from the circuit. I feel bad for her. She's had a fantastic career.”
“To watch her evolve after losing her first three Grand Slam finals, and perhaps to see her lose a little confidence in her ability to win those tournaments, to finally manage to triumph at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, was something incredible,” Clijsters added.
“She's a hard-working, humble girl. Right now, she's probably frustrated by what's happened recently, but I hope that in a few months' time, she'll be able to look back on the good results she's had in her career.
“She's achieved great things, she's been coached by Darren Cahill, and she's always been very well looked after. She needs to refocus on the positive things that have happened to her,” she added. “She was one of the fiercest competitors on the WTA circuit. It's sad that she's decided to stop in a different way than she probably would have liked.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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