Cirstea to end her career in 2026: "When you love something so much, it is not easy to say goodbye"

After twenty years of career and many strong emotions, Sorana Cirstea has made a bold decision: 2026 will be her last season on the tour. The Romanian player moved her fans with a message posted on social media.

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 06/12/2025 à 07h23

2 min to read

Cirstea

At 35 years old, Sorana Cirstea has made a major decision in recent hours. The current world No. 43 player published a long text on her social media in which she announces that she will retire from professional tennis at the end of next season.

Having been a professional for about twenty years, the Romanian, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 21 in 2013, has won three titles on the main tour so far: Tashkent in 2008, Istanbul in 2021, and Cleveland in 2025.

"Competition and adrenaline feed my soul"

In Grand Slam tournaments, she has reached two quarterfinals (French Open 2009 and US Open 2023). Cirstea also played in the final of the WTA 1000 in Toronto in 2013 against Serena Williams.

"I love tennis... I love the discipline, the routines, the hard work. Competition and adrenaline feed my soul. But like everything in life, it must come to an end. Next year, it will be 20 years since I have been a professional tennis player on the tour.

I did not expect to compete for so long, but these last two years have been the happiest of my career and have allowed me to continue. That said, I have now decided that 2026 will be my last year on the tour. When you love something so much, it is not easy to say goodbye.

"This sport allowed a 4-year-old girl to fulfill her dream"

For now, it is not a farewell, but a 'see you soon.' I still have many things to improve, I have goals and ambitions, so I hope to achieve some of them next year and finish this wonderful career beautifully and on my own terms.

I love tennis, and I am very lucky and grateful for everything it has given me and taught me. This sport allowed a 4-year-old girl, who was holding a racket for the first time, to fulfill her dream. A beautiful dream where all the sacrifices were worth it.

I look forward to seeing all my fans, friends, and loved ones courtside for one last dance around the world. Thank you, tennis, I will be eternally grateful to you. See you in 2026, and thank you all for your unconditional support!" wrote Cirstea on Instagram.