Patrick Mouratoglou calls Simona Halep as a “model of integrity” as the Romanian faces a potential suspension over failing the doping test
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Simona Halep and Patrick Mouratoglou
Simona Halep, the former world number one has been charged with a probable suspension after her blood test reports tested positive for a banned substance. It came as an utter shock for the Romanian after having a tough year professionally and personally. She has been released from all duties until the final decision is made.
The 2-time Grand Slam champion faced an abrupt ending to the year due to her nose surgery post-US Open. She will be utilizing her off-court time to prove her innocence. Halep had asserted in her statement of being innocent and not taking the substance knowingly by any chance.
Patrick Mouratoglou, coach of the World No 9, released his first official statement since Halep has been faced with a foreseeable suspension. The French tennis coach urged that he is quite shocked as it is the first time something like this has happened in his almost 30 years. He extends his complete support to Halep since she is always righteous and full of integrity.
In his official statement, Mouratoglou said “Since Simona’s positive test last week, I have chosen to stay relatively silent. My priority has been to put my energy into helping her and supporting her in establishing the truth every day. Knowing Simona so well, I can assure that she is a model of integrity. She is totally against any form of doping, and I know it has never crossed her mind to take any forbidden substance. I trust her 100%.“
Simona Halep acknowledged Patrick Mouratoglou’s complete support and had stated about overcoming it together
Mouratoglou had earlier extended his support for Halep in her ‘fight’ on social media. He had promised his 100 percent help until the controversy clears out. She had further assented to his support in overcoming the upcoming challenges. She reposted her coach’s supportive message on her social media and expressed “We will, Patrick.“
The French coach joined her team in April 2022 as a full-time coach after ending her association with her former coach Darren Cahill. Halep had earlier stated that he had instilled self-belief in her and helped her renew her passion when she thought of quitting the sport.
Under his leadership, Simona Halep managed to reach the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Championship in 2022 apart from reaching the semi-finals at the Birmingham Classic and Bad Homburg Open. She even went on to win her 24th singles WTA title at the Canadian Open. The 2019 Wimbledon champion hence found herself back in the Top 10 of the overall rankings.
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