Romanian tennis player Simiona Halep announces exhibition match during Iaşi tournament

Simona Halep to Star in Exhibition Match at Iași Tournament

Romanian tennis legend Simona Halep, who announced her retirement from professional tour play in early February 2025, is set to make a special return to the court this summer. The two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 will participate in an exhibition match during the upcoming UniCredit Iași Open, scheduled for July 14–20, 2025, the tournament organizers confirmed .

🎾 A Warm Welcome Back for Romania’s Sporting Icon

Halep’s presence at the Iași event offers fans a unique opportunity to see their national hero in action once more. As the tournament director Daniel Dobre explained, “We are happy to have Simona Halep at the Iași tournament. She will play an exhibition match…”. Though details such as her opponent and the event format are yet to be disclosed, it promises to be a highlight of the week-long WTA 250 event.

This exhibition is part of Halep’s transition into retirement. Fresh off the court for just over five months, she made clear during a March 2025 appearance at the Romanian Sports Gala that Iași is “the only exhibition match planned this year,” and that “she will gladly honor all the invitations [she] receive[s].

Reflecting on a Stellar Career

Born in 1991, Halep retired on February 4, 2025, after a first-round loss at the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca, closing a storied professional career that spanned nearly two decades. Her record speaks volumes: world No. 1 for 64 weeks, winner of 24 WTA titles including the 2018 French Open and 2019 Wimbledon, and regarded as one of the finest returners in the game.

Following a doping ban in late 2022, later reduced on appeal, Halep returned briefly to tour play in 2024 but ultimately bowed out due to ongoing injury challenges. Her retirement announcement was met with heartfelt tributes from fellow players and the tennis community.

An Exhibition Match with Heart

Halep’s post-retirement activities have emphasized giving back to fans and celebrating tennis in Romania. In June 2024, she participated in the Sports Festival exhibition in Cluj, teaming up with Andrei Pavel against legends Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi—a match widely praised for its emotional resonance. Halep later expressed her gratitude on social media: “What a weekend! I wanted to take the time to say a huge thank you to the city of Cluj… Thanks for the love”.

The Iași exhibition follows in this spirit—offering a blend of competitive spark and fan appreciation as Halep explores her future beyond professional competition.

Looking Ahead: More Than Just a Match

While the Iași exhibition is currently the only event on her schedule, Halep hasn’t ruled out further appearances. At the Sports Gala, she stated, “I will gladly honor all the invitations I receive,” suggesting more special-event returns are possible.

This exhibit serves as both a celebration of Halep’s legacy and a symbol of her enduring bond with Romanian tennis fans. Whether in Iași or any future stage, her presence remains a magnet for admiration and inspiration.