Simona Halep, the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, recently shared a mix of exciting and disappointing news with her Instagram followers. On the bright side, she has ventured into the hospitality industry, unveiling her namesake hotel in the picturesque Poiana Brasov, Romania. However, on a somber note, Halep announced that she will miss the start of the 2025 tennis season, including the Australian Open, due to recurring injuries.
Hotel Simona Halep in Poiana Brasov, Romania
Simona Halep’s venture into hospitality marks an exciting new chapter in her multifaceted career. Located in the picturesque mountain resort of Poiana Brasov, Hotel Simona Halep offers an elegant escape for travelers seeking luxury and tranquility.
This four-star hotel boasts a harmonious blend of modern refinement and comfort, featuring references to tennis and Halep’s sports career, including prominent photos of the Romanian WTA player with her Grand Slam trophies. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with private balconies, a fitness center, a wellness spa with a sauna and hot tub, and exquisite dining options. Guests can savor a rich breakfast with buffet, à la carte, or continental selections before heading out for activities such as skiing and cycling.
Injury forces Halep to delay the start of 2025 season
While she’s working on off-court projects, Halep’s tennis career remains plagued by challenges. In an Instagram story shared Thursday, the 33-year-old announced that she would not participate in the upcoming Australian Open, citing pain in her knee and shoulder that flared up after her recent appearance at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi.
“After playing in Abu Dhabi, unfortunately, I felt pain in my knee and shoulder once again,” the 2018 Australian Open runner-up wrote. “After discussing with my team at length, we agreed it is sensible to delay the start of my season.”
Halep had initially planned to compete in a warm-up event in Auckland and had been granted a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifying tournament, a hopeful step toward rebuilding her ranking after her career was derailed by a doping scandal. The Romanian star now eyes the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca in February as her comeback event.