Sorana Cirstea says a "piece of me left" with Simona Halep retiring from tennis and that's why the 34-year-old was so emotional during a special ceremony in Cluj-Napoca.
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On Tuesday evening at the Transylvania Open, Halep played her first match of the season and lost 1-6 1-6 to Lucia Bronzetti.
Instead of leaving the court after losing, the 2019 Wimbledon champion took the microphone because she wanted to share something with Romanian fans.
And that's when she announced she was retiring from pro tennis at the age of 33.
Cirstea, a former world No. 24, was also on the court and she emotionally hugged the two-time Grand Slam champion.
"We know each other since we were 7 years old and shared so much. So tonight I cried because a piece of me went with you," the 34-year-old wrote on her Instagram Story.
"THANK YOU for everything you have done for our sport, for Romania and for us. Enjoy this new chapter of life champ and see you soon on the other side."
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Halep couldn't continue with her career due to a serious injury
When the former world No. 1 returned to tennis last March, she was hoping to try to return to her old form and have a positive ending to her career after everything that happened to her in the last couple of years.
But not playing for a long time left a toll on the Romanian and she picked up a knee injury shortly after returning to tennis.
And after playing in only four tournaments last year and missing the start of this season, Halep told reporters in Cluj-Napoca over the weekend that her knee injury was serious and that she needed surgery.
"Tonight, I dont know if its with joy or sadness, I think both feelings are trying me but Im making this decision with my soul," she said during her retirement speech.
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"Ive always been realistic with myself and with my body."
