Former World No. 1 Simona Halep has been invited to the Royal Box for the 2025 Women’s Singles Final at Wimbledon, marking her first appearance at the All England Club since her retirement. Halep, who secured her second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2019 with a commanding victory over Serena Williams, has been an influential figure in women’s tennis.
Throughout her stellar career, Halep not only claimed two Grand Slam titles but also amassed 24 titles overall, including nine WTA 1000 events. She consistently ranked among the top players, finishing both the 2017 and 2018 seasons as World No. 1 and regularly in the top four for seven consecutive years. Despite this success, her latter years were fraught with challenges, including a suspension stemming from a positive doping test for Roxadustat, which led to a four-year ban beginning in 2022. Following a lengthy appeal, Halep proved her innocence and made her return to the court in early 2024.
Unfortunately, injuries hindered her ability to compete effectively, and by 2025, Halep announced her retirement shortly after a first-round exit at the WTA 250 Cluj-Napoca. She cited physical limitations that prevented her from playing at her previously high standard as a primary reason for stepping away from the sport at the age of 33.
Since her retirement, Halep has kept a relatively low profile, although she recently appeared at a tennis exhibition in Romania, where she received a warm welcome from fans. Reflecting on her past, she expressed mixed feelings, stating, “I miss tennis, but I’m fine without it… I wasn’t 100% ready to announce my retirement, but that’s how I felt during the match.”
Halep mentioned improved quality of life post-retirement, noting a significant reduction in daily pain that had burdened her during her playing career. However, she continues to face physical challenges that impact her activities. “When I run at the gym, I still do a 30-40 minute run, my knee hurts afterward. It’s a pretty serious condition,” she shared.
While it remains unclear if she will receive special recognition during the awards ceremony or any tributes, Halep’s presence in the Royal Box will bring a touch of history to the event, as she watches the new champion crowned between Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova. Halep’s journey highlights her resilience and adaptability, emphasizing that while her competitive days may be over, her impact on the sport endures.