Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam victor, was given a four-year suspension for violating the Tennis Anti-Doping Program. The 31-year-old Romanian was found to have engaged in “intentional” anti-doping offenses, according to an independent tribunal.
In a statement, Halep stated her intention to appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
At the US Open the year before, Halep tested positive for the use of roxadustat.
In 2022, she was also found guilty of utilizing an undisclosed forbidden substance or procedure after errors in her biological passport were discovered. The tribunal agreed with Halep’s claim that she had taken a tainted supplement, but concluded that this could not account for the level of roxadustat discovered in her urine sample.
The anti-anaemia medication roxadustat encourages the body to produce more red blood cells. The panel further stated that they had no reason to question the three independent experts’ uniform “strong opinion” that “likely doping” was the cause of the anomalies in her biological passport.
Halep has been on a temporary ban from October 2022, so she won’t be able to compete until October 7 of 2026, when she’ll be 35.
There is, however, a right of appeal with regard to the tribunal’s decisions, and Halep said she will do so.
“I am continuing to train and do everything in my power to clear my name of these false allegations,” commented Halep.
“The last year has been the hardest match of my life, and unfortunately my fight continues. I have devoted my life to the beautiful game of tennis.
“I take the rules that govern our sport very seriously and take pride in the fact I have never knowingly or intentionally used any prohibited substance. I refused to accept their decision of a four-year ban,” she added.
Simona Halep |
| Embed from Getty Images |
