Sorana Cirstea, the accomplished Romanian tennis player, has officially announced her plans to retire from professional tennis following the 2026 season, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year career on the WTA tour. At 35 years old, Cirstea shared her decision on social media, reflecting on her deep connection to the sport and acknowledging the joy it has brought her throughout her career.
In her heartfelt Instagram post, Cirstea expressed, “I love tennis. I love the discipline, the routines, the hard work. The competition and the adrenaline fuel my soul. But like everything in life, it must come to an end.” This declaration comes as she prepares for what she calls a “farewell season,” a time she sees not just as a goodbye but as an opportunity to share more moments with her fans.
Cirstea’s journey in tennis has been one of perseverance and passion. She entered the professional circuit in 2003 and has amassed an impressive set of achievements along the way. Last summer, she clinched her third WTA title at the Cleveland tournament, defeating American star Ann Li with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-4. Impressively, this victory came without dropping a single set throughout the event and is a testament to her enduring talent on the court.
The Romanian’s first title dates back to 2006 in Tashkent, making her recent triumph a significant milestone after a long gap. With four years separating her victories, including the one in Istanbul, she highlighted her capacity to evolve and grow, even after nearly two decades on the tour.
As she gears up for her final year, Cirstea remains focused on setting and achieving new goals. She aims to make the most of her last season, stating, “I still have lots of things I want to improve, I have goals and ambitions, so I hope to be able to achieve some of them next year and finish this wonderful career on a high note and on my terms.”
Looking ahead, Cirstea’s legacy is already secure, not only through her titles but also through the respect she has garnered from both fans and fellow athletes. Her creative style and competitive spirit will undoubtedly be missed as she prepares to hang up her racquet after 2026, leaving behind an enduring impact on the sport she loves.
