On the day the National Tennis Center was renamed after her, in honor of her career, Simona Halep (33 years old) met with Pope Leon XIV in Rome.
A significant day for Simona Halep, former WTA leader, retired from professional tennis in February 2025.
After attending the event marking the renaming of the National Tennis Center to "Simona Halep Tennis Center," she also traveled to Rome, where she had a special meeting with Pope Leon XIV.
"Rome, you have completely won me over!" in Italian.
"A moment that will remain etched in my heart forever. I thank everyone who made this possible," she added in English.
The new Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Leon XIV, is a tennis fan and has previously met with Jannik Sinner, the ATP leader, at the Vatican.