Cirstea Weighs Retirement After Hong Kong Open Loss

Sorana Cirstea’s Hong Kong Open ended with a 6-2, 6-3 quarterfinal loss to Alexandra Shubladze. The 36-year-old Romanian, the tournament’s top seed and then ranked No. 15 in the world, had said 2026 would be her final year on tour, but she has not yet made a final announcement about retirement.

After the match, Cirstea said a run of early defeats in Asia had made her decision seem clear. She also said she was exhausted after a long season and needed time to reflect, with a final announcement expected in a few weeks.

The loss came during the best season of Cirstea’s career by ranking: No. 15 is her highest position. She also reached the Italian Open semifinals in May, where she defeated then-world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. That win made her the oldest woman in the Open era to earn a first victory over a reigning No. 1.

Cirstea has claimed four singles championships, with career earnings exceeding $13 million in tournament prizes. Her Hong Kong result has prompted fans and tennis commentators to express surprise that she may leave the sport while playing at a career-best level. She said she would take a few weeks before confirming what comes next.