Tributes pour in for WTA superstar Simona Halep following retirement

The 33-year-old Romanian played her final match on home soil at the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca, losing 6-1, 6-1 to Lucia Bronzetti in the first round of the WTA 250 event.

The two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 announced her retirement in an emotional on-court interview.

"Tonight, I don't know if it's with joy or sadness, I think both feelings are trying me but I'm making this decision with my soul," Halep said. "I've always been realistic with myself and with my body.

"Where I probably was, it's very hard to get there and I know what it means to get there. That's why I wanted to come here today in Cluj to play in front of you and say goodbye.

"Even though my performance wasn't very good it was still my soul and I'm very glad you came, and I'll wonder if I'll come back again. But for now it's the last time I've played here and I don't want to cry.

"It's a beautiful thing. I became world number one, I won grand slams, it's all I wanted. Life goes on, there is life after tennis and I hope that we will see each other again.

"I'll come to the tennis here as often as I can and of course, I will continue to play â- but to be competitive it requires much more and at this moment it is no longer."

Novak Djokovic, a record 24-time Grand Slam champion, gave his reaction to Halep's decision on his Instagram story.

"Congratulations on amazing career Simona," the Serbian legend wrote.

Boris Becker, a six-time major winner and former world No 1, paid tribute to the Romanian on X.

The German said: "Congratulations Simo for your incredible career!

"Wimbledon and Roland Garros champion plus Number 1 in the world , many other trophies! The game of tennis will miss you! Many thanks for all your contributions!"

Tennis icon Billie Jean King, a winner of 39 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles and mixed doubles, also sent a heartfelt message.

"2x Grand Slam champion and former World No 1 Simona Halep is retiring from tennis," the American posted on X.

"Simona is an incredible athlete, and has won more WTA titles (24) than any woman Romanian tennis player in history. Best of luck in the next steps of your journey, Simona."

Daniela Hantuchova, a former world No 5 who lost all four of her matches against Halep, penned a detailed and glowing tribute on Instagram.

"Huge congratulations and respect @simonahalep for your incredible career," the Slovakian wrote.

"Above all, for the wonderful human being that you are and a true champion on and off the court!

"It was always a privilege to share the court with you and later to commentate on your matches, just a class act all around and a best example that no matter the frame, tennis can be dominated by crazy good foot work, tennis IQ and best backhand on the run that I have ever faced!!! No one was able to direct the ball better from that part of the court.

"Thank you for all you have done for our sport and you will be missed big time! Enjoy your next chapters in your life!"

Halep only played five tournaments after returning from a doping ban in March last year.

The Romanian revealed before her appearance in Cluj-Napoca that a knee injury she has been suffering with "is not recovering."

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