Romanian tennis star Simona Halep has been handed a sentence that could potentially end her career. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found Halep guilty of two breaches of anti-doping rules. Consequently, Halep has been banned from tennis for four years. In light of this harsh punishment, Simona’s father, Stere Halep, leveled a bold accusation against the authorities.
Simona failed the doping test at the US Open last year. Roxadustat, the drug which increases red blood cell count, was found in her urine sample. The banned drug is actually used to treat anemia but is prohibited for players as it gives them an undue advantage.
Halep was provisionally suspended last year, but her troubles did not end there. There were irregularities in her Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) too, which is used to monitor certain biological indicators over time.
Breaking: Simona Halep has been handed a FOUR-YEAR doping ban!!! pic.twitter.com/loDb2UByP3
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) September 12, 2023
Simona Halep has suffered a massive fall from grace. However, she is firm in her stance and will contest this ruling. Halep will take it up to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Simona’s father, Stere, however, made a bold accusation against the ITIA. He of course believes in his daughter’s innocence. He stated that even if they had suspended her for 100 years, it would not change the truth. “Some people want to find her guilty, that’s their job,” he said.
Simona’s case is one of the most high-profile doping cases since Maria Sharapova’s in 2016. The Russian was found guilty of using Meldonium, a substance which was banned earlier that year. Sharapova had contested the decision and the duration of her ban was reduced.
Simona’s fight has only just begun and it will not be an easy one. Her peers like Serena Williams and Eugenie Bouchard have already taunted her. But Simona has also found support.
Simona Halep has found support amid struggles
Halep has been ridiculed since the news of her ban broke out. However, she has also found support from former US Open champion Marin Cilic.
Cilic, who is one of the greatest Croatian tennis players, showed his support for Simona on social media. The Romanian player had shared an update on X (formerly Twitter), to which Cilic replied, asking her to stay strong.
Stay strong Simona, their ruling counts for nothing!
— Marin Cilic (@cilic_marin) September 13, 2023
Cilic is no stranger to doping suspension himself. He was banned from tennis for 9 months for testing positive for Nikethamide. His suspension was later reduced.
At 31 years of age, a ruling this harsh can be the end of Simona Halep’s career. She has found her name soiled by this controversy. However, the two-time Grand Slam champion will fight this decision.