“I never had the intention…,” Simona Halep breaks down her appeal hearing experience as she awaits the decision that will decide her career

Halep concluded her case appeal for the ban.

“I never had the intention…,” Simona Halep breaks down her appeal hearing experience as she awaits the decision that will decide her career

Simona Halep (Via screengrab/X)

Simona Halep, one of the most talented tennis players on the WTA, is currently under review by the International Tennis Integrity Agency for doping. The Romanian was banned from tennis in 2022 after being caught by the ITIA for doping. She has been provisionally suspended since then.

Since then, Halep had been continuously pleading for her case but remained unheard by the organizers. Not until her coach Patrick Mouratoglou openly admitted to this situation, possibly being his fault. This positive turn of events meant that Romanian got an opportunity to appeal her case and get back on tour as soon as possible. 

YouTube video

The CAS hearing in front of the ITIA started on the 7th of February and after three days, Halep came in front of the press. 

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I can tell you that this hearing gave me the chance to present my defense, my confidence is intact, and it will be proven that I never had the intention of doping. I trust that the truth will come out. 
Halep to Euronews Romania

Having not had a chance to present her case directly to the respective people, Halep had lost some time off the court and was delighted after her hearing concluded. The respective group of people still hold the final call and Halep’s career in their hands. 

Simona Halep admitted to not being able to handle a ban while hinting at a possible retirement

32-year-old Simona Halep has been on the sidelines of tennis ever since she was caught doping. Upon investigation, the ITIA found traces of Roxadustant in her blood sample and saw her suspended for years. 

Simona Halep
Simona Halep (via Imago)

Already at a peak age of 32, the Romanian will lose a lot of valuable time if found guilty. She will face 4 years off from the court, which would indirectly mean retirement. Halep also revealed that she won’t be able to handle the ban; it might be an end to her career. 

It's catastrophic if it's going to be four years--I don't know how I will handle it. Probably it will be the end of my career.

Her part of the work to appeal her case is done and will await the decision from the higher bodies. With two Majors under her name, Halep has been a huge asset to her country over the years, and without her, there has been some damage. The whole country would keep track of the decision and hope that she is free to play on the court. With immense talent and skill, Halep is one of the most experienced players.

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