The fifth edition of the Transylvania Open kicked off on Saturday with the first day of qualifications, as well as the main draw ceremony, an event attended by Simona Halep, the 2021 finalist of Cluj’s tournament.
“I’m nervous, even though I’ve been in the circuit for so many years. Every time I come here I feel different, I feel good, and I hope to play my best tennis. I also hope we all enjoy this week,” said Simona Halep, making her return to a tournament in Romania after nearly four years.
“When I played the final here, we didn’t have any spectators and I missed out on Cluj’s amazing energy. But this year, I can’t wait to compete! I’ve also played at the BT Arena before, at the Fed Cup, and it was incredible,” added Simona before highlighting the importance of the tournament: “The Transylvania Open is an extraordinary event for Cluj, but especially for the Romanian tennis—it’s a special tournament.”
TRANSYLVANIA OPEN 2025 SINGLES DRAW
Patrick Ciorcilă, Cluj’s Tournament Director, speaks about this year’s edition:
“We are at the fifth edition of the Transylvania Open, and this one is special for us—we’ve worked hard to make it even more special. We’ve already won the ‘Tournament of the Year’ title twice and were finalists on two other occasions. Now, we hope to win again.
I believe it’s unprecedented in the history of a Romanian tournament to have all of our top players taking part. I’m referring to those who have been in the circuit for many years and have brought us so much joy with their successes—like Simona [Halep], Sorana [Cîrstea], and Irina [Begu]—as well as the younger generation, Jaqueline Cristian, Gabi Ruse, and Ana Bogdan. We have a total of 12 Romanian players here, including those in the qualifications—a record. As Simona mentioned at the airport, it almost feels like a Fed Cup, and we’re thrilled about that. Ticket sales have been record-breaking too— the last three days are completely sold out, and for Tuesday, when Simona plays, the arena is already 95% full. So, this will be a unique edition.
We’ve also introduced something new this year—the video review system. Players will now have the option to challenge calls, further elevating the tournament’s quality. Our goal is to win the ‘Best Tournament in the World’ title for the third time. We’ve already won it twice and finished as runners-up twice, which motivates us to claim it again and continue putting Cluj on the global tennis map.
I’m so happy to have Simona back here. She played in the finals a few years ago, but unfortunately, due to the pandemic, neither she nor we could experience the energy of packed stands. I’m thankful that she is here—we are honored and excited!”
Regarding the main draw, Simona Halep shared her thoughts:
“It’s good that we’re not facing each other early on—it gives more Romanian players the chance to go as far as possible. It’s a strong main draw, with many great players. I chose my path, and I’ll see on Tuesday how things go. I hope there will be beautiful matches—that’s what matters. And I hope that the Romanian players will go far because playing at home is the best feeling. The more we play, the better.”
When asked about retirement, Simona made her stance clear:
“Who talked about retirement? (At the airport) they asked if I had thought about it. Of course, that moment will come, I don’t know when, but it will, because it’s natural. I’ve been playing tennis for a long time and I have injuries that can’t fully heal. But right now, I’m here in Cluj and I just want to enjoy this week. I hope to play my best and stay on the court as long as possible.”
Simona Halep has also signed up for the doubles competition, partnering with Ana Bogdan.
“I’ve never played doubles with Ana before. And I’ve never played doubles in Romania—not even in Fed Cup—because we had such a strong team with Irina Begu and Monica Niculescu, who always put on a show. I think it will be fun, and I hope we get to play on Monday if the schedule allows, so I can get into the tournament atmosphere.”
