The former world number one, Simona Halep, who was sanctioned for doping, returned to the WTA circuit this Tuesday at the Cluj-Napoca Open. However, after a heavy 6-1, 6-1 loss to Italy's Lucia Bronzetti, Halep announced her permanent retirement from professional tennis.

"I make this decision with peace of mind. My body can no longer reach where it used to be. I know what that means," said Simona Halep after her match, as reported by the sports portal Digisport.

Halep, 33, who reached the pinnacle of world tennis, commented: "I don’t want to cry, I’ve won Grand Slams, but at this point it’s no longer possible."

Simona Halep and Her Doping Controversy

Towards the end of her career, in 2022, Simona Halep was involved in a doping scandal, which resulted in a four-year suspension. However, this penalty was reduced to 9 months, allowing her to return to the circuit, though her final participation in a professional tournament ended at Cluj-Napoca.