“She cannot be treated like this,” Boris Becker furious over Simona Halep’s ‘double punishment’ as he demands tennis fraternity to give her ‘a fair chance’

Becker said that now that Halep is cleared of all charges, she should be given entry to play in big tournaments. 

“She cannot be treated like this,” Boris Becker furious over Simona Halep’s ‘double punishment’ as he demands tennis fraternity to give her ‘a fair chance’

Simona Halep, Boris Becket (Images via Imago, X)

Boris Becker backed Simona Halep to play in the Paris Olympics, urging the WTA to do something for the Romanian. Halep would struggle to find a spot to play in the Olympics due to her rankings. 

The former World No.1, who is now a 1136th ranked player, previously opted out of the ongoing Roland Garros due to a knee niggle she suffered during a WTA 125K event in Paris. Halep did not receive the wild card to play at Roland Garros despite being a former champion and this angered Becker. The 56-year-old German said that now that Halep is cleared of all charges, she should be given entry to play in big tournaments. 

YouTube video
She was penalized because she couldn’t play and penalized because she was not cleared of all charges. So it’s a double whammy.  The WTA has to find a way that let Halep play. She cannot be treated like that. She is not 21 anymore. 
Boris Becker said (via Tennis 365)

Halep’s first match post her ban was at the Miami Open (she received a wild card) where, in the first round, she lost to Spain’s Paula Badosa. Then at Trophee Clarins in Paris, she retired mid-match due to the knee problem in the Round of 32 against America’s Mccartney Kessler. Halep has not yet won a match post her ban. 

FS Video

Simona Halep was banned for consuming roxadustat

Back in 2022 during the US Open, Simona Halep was punished for accidentally consuming a banned substance, roxadustat, which stimulates the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. It is used for the treatment of the symptoms of anemia, but athletes use it to boost their stamina.  

Simona Halep
Simona Halep (Image via Imago)

Then in 2023, the International Tennis Integrity Agency accused her of a second doping. She initially faced a four-year ban. However, after Halep’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, her ban was reduced to nine months.

My faith in the process was tested by the scandalous accusations that were levelled against me, and by the seemingly unlimited resources that were aligned against me. But in the end, the truth prevailed, even if it took much longer than I wish it had.
Simona Halep said in a statement 

Halep is a former World No.1 and a two-time Grand Slam champion, winning her first at the 2018 French Open by beating Sloane Stephens, while her second title came at the 2019 Wimbledon Championship by beating Serena Williams in the final. 

In case you missed!