Simona Halep to feature in exhibition event later in 2025

Romania’s Simona Halep is set to return to the court to feature in an exhibition event. The 33-year-old, who was once regarded as the best player in women’s tennis in the singles category, has retired from professional tennis earlier this year.

As per the latest report, Halep is set to return for an exhibition event later this year. According to GSP.ro, she confirmed the development by stating: “I will go to Iasi. It’s the only exhibition match planned this year. I don’t know what it will be. I will gladly honor all the invitations I receive and we will see,” she said.

Halep finished her career with two major titles to her name. She first lifted the French Open title in 2018 after beating America’s Sloane Stephens in the final with a score of 3–6, 6–4, 6–1. One year later in 2019, she lifted the Wimbledon title after beating the former world number one America’s Serena Williams in the final in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-2.

A doping controversy marred the later stage of Halep’s career. She tested positive for the banned substance roxadustat at the 2022 US Open. She was subsequently banned for four years. Halep appealed against the verdict before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). That ban was reduced to nine months, and she returned to the court in 2024. Her return did not turn out to be a great one as she struggled to compete at the highest level. Earlier this year, she was given a wildcard entry into the Australian Open qualifying round but decided to withdraw because of knee and shoulder pain. Her last outing was at the Transylvania Open, where she lost to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 6-1. After that encounter, she announced her retirement from professional tennis.