In a significant development in Simona Halep’s ongoing doping case, Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach, appeared in a Swiss court, reportedly admitting responsibility for Halep taking contaminated substances. The case is currently being heard behind closed doors at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
According to Euronews Romania, Mouratoglou briefly attended the hearing, accompanied by physiotherapist Candice Cohier and Frederic Lefebvre, the director of the physical training department at the Mouratoglou Academy. The purpose of Mouratoglou’s presence seemed to be confirming the change in supplements and acknowledging the choice of contaminated substances.
Sources informed Euronews Romania that Halep consumed the new substances for five days, with one dose found to be contaminated. However, this confirmation doesn’t absolve the former World No. 1 from liability; instead, it potentially supports a reduction in the suspension period.
“There are two options that I could consider as conclusions to this situation: either he did not want to declare very much, which is unlikely, or the referees’ questions were direct and simple, and the hearing lasted very little, and the panel of arbitrators considered itself clear about the aspects that concern it,” explained Sabin Gherdan, a lawyer specializing in sports law.
Facing a four-year suspension, Halep’s verdict is uncertain as the trial is set to last three days, with no given date for the announcement. The closed-door nature of the proceedings limits available information on when a verdict might be reached and the specific details of the case.
Mouratoglou’s appearance in court reflects an attempt to support Halep’s fight against the ban, emphasizing the complexity and sensitivity of doping cases in professional sports. As the trial unfolds, tennis enthusiasts await further updates on Halep’s situation and the outcome of the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s deliberations.
Simona Halep in 2024
Ranked world no.578, Simona played her last match on the 29th of August 2022 when she capitulated to world no.135 Daria Snigur 6-2 0-6 6-4 in the 1st round of the U.S. Open (draw).
Until now, during this year Simona has an overall 39-11 match record.
Simona Halep |
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