‘Arrogant’ Serena Williams’ dig at Simona Halep not a surprise for Sorana Cirstea who reveals the true nature of the American

Sorana Cirstea has defended her compatriot claiming Simona Halep is innocent.

‘Arrogant’ Serena Williams’ dig at Simona Halep not a surprise for Sorana Cirstea who reveals the true nature of the American

Simona Halep and Serena Williams (on the left), Sorana Cirstea (right) (Images via NY Post/ US Open)

Romanian tennis ace Simona Halep, who won two Grand Slam titles one of which came after defeating Serena Williams at the 2019 Wimbledon final, was slapped with a four-year suspension over failing an anti-doping test conducted by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). This decision from ITIA garnered a few reactions, including Serena Williams’ shade on Halep. 

While fans found Williams’ brutal swipe at Halep a bit odd, Sorana Cirstea says it wasn’t a surprise for her. The Romanian, while defending her compatriot, said that while Serena Williams was a champion player on the court, the American always had that arrogance as a person. Cirstea also claimed that Williams was not a gracious loser. 

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“Serena as a player was extraordinarily good. As a person, she always had this arrogance. She didn’t accept when someone could beat her or took a title from her,” said Cirstea to Sport Romania. Earlier, Halep had also given it back to Williams for her remark, saying, “Someone told me that those players who hate me are because I beat them.”

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Sorana Cirstea feels Simona Halep is innocent

Sorana Cirstea further talked about Simona Halep’s doping fiasco and claimed the 32-year-old is innocent. The Romanian said that she knows Halep really well and can guarantee that she would not have consciously doped. Cirstea also revealed how a situation like this is a nightmare for any athlete. 

Sorana Cirstea Simona Halep
Sorana Cirstea, Simona Halep (Images via News18, Insider sport)

“I know Simona. I don’t think she ever consciously doped. This suspension is for an innocent person,” she said. “I was afraid to take anything, I was afraid to take an aspirin. I’m maybe a little paranoid, but it’s no joke. It’s every athlete’s nightmare.”

It is worth mentioning that while ITIA has given its verdict on the Simona Halep case; the Romanian has refused to accept the decision stating she is innocent. Halep recently also claimed that the Roxadustat found in her urine sample came from a supplement consumed before the test. 

Halep has said that she will take legal action against the supplement manufacturer and will also appeal against the verdict from ITIA. However, it was revealed that Halep’s suspension is almost irreversible.

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