Celebrating an extraordinary career
On June 13, at Sports Festival, in front of more than 10,000 fans, Simona celebrated her career in an event filled with emotion and gratitude.
A celebration shared with:
More than 10,000 fans in the arena
Friends and former colleagues
Family and loved ones
Romanian sports legends
Everyone watching live on PRO TV
A show that rose
to the occasion.
A show that rose
to the occasion.
The exhibition match was played on a court
specially painted to reflect Simona's two Grand
Slam titles: one half green, the other orange.
For the very first time, all 24 of Simona's WTA
trophies were displayed together,
right beside the farewell court.A symbol of the legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
Back in Simona's box.
Darren Cahill and Daniel Dobre, the coaches
alongside whom Simona achieved the greatest
results of her career, stood by her once again
on court for this special celebration.
At the end of the match, Simona shared a few
rallies with an eight-year-old girl, in a symbolic
moment representing the passing of her legacy
to the next generation.
On behalf of the WTA, chair umpire Kader Nouni
presented Simona Halep with a commemorative
plaque in recognition of one of the most
remarkable careers in women's tennis.
Hosts Andi Moisescu and Andrew Krasny
thanked Simona, on behalf of fans in Romania
and around the world, for all the emotions,
inspiration and unforgettable memories
she created throughout her career.
Patrick Ciorcilă, co-founder of Sports Festival,
presented Simona with the “Ray of Light” trophy,
created by Malvensky, as a symbol of gratitude
for her extraordinary career.
“I want to thank all of you for being by my side today, and throughout my entire career, through both the good times and the difficult ones.”Simona said in an emotional speech at the end of the event.
After the on-court ceremony, the celebration continued
at Radisson Blu Cluj, where Simona shared the emotions
of the evening with family, close friends and special guests.
More than an event.
A week dedicated to an extraordinary career.
Simona's career celebration was about much more than one evening. For an entire week, Cluj hosted special events, exhibitions and unforgettable moments dedicated to one of Romania's greatest athletes.
The beginning of a special week
Simona arrived in Cluj on an AnimaWings flight, marking the start of a week filled with emotion and unforgettable moments.
Throughout the week, the Sports Festival atmosphere extended to AnimaWings flights, where passengers enjoyed contests, surprises and prizes signed by Simona.
An exceptional career in pictures
The exhibition “From Romania, Simona Halep”, created by Sports Festival and 30-0, transformed University Street in Cluj-Napoca into an open-air gallery celebrating the defining moments of Simona's career.
Simona's story, experienced differently
The immersive experience hosted by MINA Museum in Cluj, launched during Sports Festival in collaboration with 30-0 and Banca Transilvania, offered visitors a new way to experience Simona's career through a dedicated multimedia journey.
Honorary Citizen of Cluj-Napoca
In recognition of her sporting achievements and the way she represented Romania around the world, Simona Halep received the title of Honorary Citizen of Cluj-Napoca.
Autographs, photos and unforgettable moments
During the farewell week, Simona met hundreds of fans who came to thank her for the emotions she created and to be part of this unique celebration.
Media meetings
Throughout the week, Simona gave numerous interviews, reflecting on the defining moments of her career and the emotions surrounding such a meaningful chapter.
Together again
Just hours before the event, Simona reunited on court with Darren Cahill, Daniel Dobre and Patrick Ciorcilă for a practice session that brought back the atmosphere of the biggest tournaments - this time without the pressure of competition.
Simona - The Story of a Dream
Throughout the week, a film crew captured the behind-the-scenes moments, emotions and preparations surrounding Simona's farewell celebration. The result is the second chapter of the documentary „Simona - The Story of a Dream”, now available on VOYO.
