"Thank you Tennis, I will forever be indebted to you" - Sorana Cirstea set to pull plug on 20-year-career at end of 2026 campaign

Sorana Cirstea has enjoyed a lengthy spell in tennis, reaching a career high of 21st in the world and clinching three WTA titles. However, at the age of 35 she has made the decision for 2026 to be her final season on tour.

She announced her decision on her Instagram page, breaking the news to her fans that they have just more one year to watch her compete with the best on tour. She has come out as one of the best Romanian players in history, following in the footsteps of the legendary Simona Halep. After emerging back in 2006, this will be the 20th but final season on the WTA Tour.

“I love tennis... I love the discipline, the routines, the hard work. The competition and the adrenaline fuel my soul. But like everything in life, it must come to an end. Next year it will be my 20th year on tour as a professional tennis player. I never expected to compete for such a long time, but the last couple of years have been my happiest on court and they just kept me going. That being said, I have now decided that 2026 will be my last year on tour.

"When you love something so much, it's not easy to say ‘good bye.’ For now though this is not a farewell, but a ‘see you one more time.’ I still have lots of things I want to improve, I have goals and ambitions, so I hope to be able to achieve some of them next year and finish this wonderful career on a high note and on my terms. I adore tennis and I am very fortunate and grateful for everything it has given me and taught me. This sport has allowed a 4 year old girl, holding the racket for the first time, live her dream. A beautiful dream where all the sacrifices have been so worth it.

"I look forward to seeing all my fans, friends and loved ones next to the court for one last dance around the world. Thank you Tennis, I will forever be indebted to you. See you in 2026 and thank you all for your unconditional support!”

Cirstea has celebrated many big wins in her time. This includes the three titles collected. Her first came all the way back in 2008, showing off her longevity. In Uzbekistan, she defeated Sabine Lisicki to clinch her maiden title at the Tashkent Open. She would reach the final of that event once more in 2019, but this time she was runner-up. Six years beforehand, she made it to the biggest final of her career in the Canadian Open. It was a stunning run, but inevitably it had to end to the hands of 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.

Fast-forwarding to 2021, her second title would come at the Istanbul Cup. She defeated Elise Mertens in straight sets to lift another trophy. Her third and most recent trophy to date came in the Tennis in the Land in August earlier this year. It was another victory in two sets, with Ann Li the victim.

She is also able to boast some very good Grand Slam runs. She is a two-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist, both coming at opposite ends of her career. The first was in 2009 at Roland Garros, with the other having to wait until the 2024 US Open. Her highest ranking came back in 2013 when she came on the cusp of breaking into the top 20, peaking at 21st in the world. She ended the 2025 year with some very positive results on the Asian swing, reaching a semi-final and quarter-final in her final two events. This momentum will be key for the start of the 2026 and final campaign for Cirstea. The first big event will be the Australian Open, being held between January 18 - February 2.