Simona Halep, Romania's most valuable tennis player, recently addressed Sorana Cîrstea's career dilemma following her semifinal qualification at the Rome tournament. This achievement marks the highest point of Cîrstea's career. Halep stated that Cîrstea alone should decide whether to continue playing beyond this year.

Cîrstea, 36, announced last year that 2026 would be her last year in tennis, citing numerous injuries as reasons to enjoy each day. This year has been one of the best in Cîrstea's career, with 27 wins in four and a half months, compared to 30 wins in 2025 and 12 in 2024. Retiring from the WTA circuit at the beginning of February - after losing in the first round of the Transylvania Open - Halep refrained from giving advice to Cîrstea.

"It's not a question for me, it's for her," Halep said, referring to whether Cîrstea should retire or continue. "She certainly knows what to do for her life. She will make the decision she wants."

Cîrstea, who has been returning to Romania for short breaks before Roland Garros, which starts on May 24, has expressed frustration at being asked whether she will retire or continue in 2027. She prefers to enjoy each day. "This is an extraordinary year for me, far beyond expectations, and I am grateful to this sport. I hope to continue like this. The most important thing is to be healthy," Cîrstea said.

Cîrstea will be making her 18th appearance at Roland Garros. Her best performance was in 2009 when she reached the quarterfinals.