Tennis player Sorana Cîrstea, aged 35, has announced her definitive retirement from professional sports.
The Romanian currently ranked 43rd in the WTA world rankings has stated that 2026 will be her last year on the professional tennis circuit. It will mark the 20th competitive season for the athlete born in Târgoviște, who made this announcement through her official Instagram account.
“I love tennis... I love the discipline, routine, hard work. Competition and adrenaline feed my soul. But like everything in life, it must come to an end.
Next year will be my 20th year on tour as a professional tennis player. I never expected to compete for so long, but the last two years have been the happiest on the court and have motivated me to continue. That being said, I have now decided that 2026 will be my final year on the circuit.
When you love something so much, it's not easy to say goodbye. For now, it's not a farewell, but a 'see you later.' I still have many things I want to perfect, I have goals and ambitions, so I hope to achieve some of them next year and end this wonderful career on a high note and on my own terms.
I adore tennis and I am very lucky and grateful for everything it has offered me and taught me. This sport allowed a 4-year-old girl, holding a racket for the first time, to live her dream. A beautiful dream where all sacrifices were fully worth it. I eagerly await all fans, friends, and loved ones by the court for one last dance around the world. Thank you Tennis, I will be forever indebted to you. See you in 2026, and thank you all for the unconditional support!”, was the open letter posted by Sorana Cîrstea through her official Instagram page.
In her career, Cîrstea boasts 3 WTA trophies, Tashkent 2008, Istanbul 2021, and Cleveland 2025, with her best ranking being 21st in the world in 2013. She also achieved her best result in a Grand Slam tournament, reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros in 2009, when she defeated former world number one Jelena Jankovic of Serbia in a thrilling match in the round of 16. She also reached the quarterfinals at the US Open in 2023.
D.A.