“12-yr olds are given substances,” Former Academy player accuses Simona Helep’s Ex coach Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy of doping

Patrick Mouratoglou's academy is under hot water as one of their former players confesses to a few illegal matters.

“12-yr olds are given substances,” Former Academy player accuses Simona Helep’s Ex coach Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy of doping

Patrick Mouratoglou and Maria Sara Popa (via Imago)

Patrick Mouratoglou, one of the most well-known coaches in the history of tennis, has coached a range of players, from the iconic Serena Williams to the young Holger Rune. The coach even has an academy, where he trains the younger generation to venture into the tennis world. 

However, he and his academy faced a huge hit as one of the players who had trained at the academy revealed career-changing information. 18-year-old Maria Sara Popa, who had trained at the academy, revealed certain information that could potentially end Mouratoglou’s academy. 

YouTube video

She recently claimed in an interview with AS.ro that the players who train at the academy are provided with some substances to consume in their junior years after signing a consent form and agreeing to certain regulations. 

FS Video

As junior players are less noticed by the ITIA, they usually escape by consuming some substances. Popa also admitted to being scared, as the parents are also supposed to sign a consent form while their child is training at the academy. 

I went when I was 12 years old. I played at the Mouratoglou Academy. It is true, from a young age, athletes are given some substances. In juniors, you are not controlled by Anti-doping. They let you grow up a little more, to turn 17, and from then on, the checks start more intensively. Players and parents must agree. They are given a sheet and must sign to agree to take that substance. The first time I was scared, I really didn't know what was happening
Said the 18-year old tennis star in an interview. (H/T: Tennis Update)

Furthermore, the 18-year-old also pointed out to the people who have taken the illegal substance that they are smart enough to take it at the right time to avoid being caught while having the benefits. As per the young player, she took tests weekly and cannot vouch for others who know how to escape the tests.

There are athletes who take those substances, only they don't get caught because they know exactly when to eliminate the substance and they know exactly when to take them. I, for example, was tested weekly and never took.
Continuing further, she added

With this bold confession from the youngster, Patrick Mouratoglou and his academy are in danger of shutting down if the matter is taken seriously by the respective organizations. 

But I can't put my hand in the fire for the other athletes. Supplements are different from the substances that the physical trainers and doctors at the Academies give to the athletes. Supplements are exactly the daily pills that every person can take.
She concluded

Maria Popa’s bold statements might be the key to Simona Halep’s trial as the Romanian is awaiting the results

Young Romanian Maria Popa had confessed to some serious activities in the academy run by Patrick Mouratoglou. Having confessed to having received some substances, this might put the former coach of Serena Williams in danger and be a huge help for Simona Halep. 

Patrick Mouratoglou and Simona Halep
Patrick Mouratoglou and Simona Halep (Via Imago)

Halep, who is under review by the ITIA, might benefit from the recent news. Previously, Mouratoglou had taken the blame for having supplied his player with a foreign substance that had traces of Roxadustat and eventually got Halep banned. 

If the words of Popa line up with Mouratoglou’s statement, Halep might get an immediate release and soon be back on tour. The 18-year-old’s one statement has the power to change the scrutiny of rules in tennis, putting many players under strict rules and not allowing them to take any substance.

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