Simona Halep declares her ‘nightmare has finished’ as she breaks her silence on her final doping appeal

The two-time Major title winner recently appeared on the stand in a 3-day closed door trial as she looks to save her career.

Simona Halep declares her ‘nightmare has finished’ as she breaks her silence on her final doping appeal

Simona Halep (via Imago)

Former World No. 1 Simona Halep has had one of the most difficult years among all of the WTA players. To her misfortune, it was fought entirely off the tennis courts. Suspended since her exit at the 2022 US Open, the Romanian was on trial for doping.

As she lost in the first round at the Flushing Meadows, her samples returned the presence of roxadustat. It is used in medications for anemia but has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as due to its ability to produce more hemoglobin, athletes can get an undue advantage in terms of endurance.

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Halep had denied the charges from the very first time. However, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found her guilty solely on the basis of her medical reports. As a result, she was banned from the sport for four years starting September 2022. Under the ban, she can’t visit any tennis site till October 2026.

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Halep’s last resort of help was the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ultimate authority in this matter. If CAS rules her innocent, she can return to the Tour immediately. The hearing took place in the city of Laussane on 7th February for a three-day trial.

Halep had hired a top lawyer from the USA who has represented many athletes accused of doping. While she was restricted from making any comment about the case during the three-day period, she has finally released a statement via her Instagram account. 

The nightmare that I have lived for a year and half has finished. I had the chance to present my. defense in front of TAS, to show that I never did any kind of doping. This is what I have said from the first day that I was accused.
Wrote Halep. 
Now I am waiting for the decision with my head held high and I wanted to thank you, my fans, players, former players, legends of this sport, my sponsors, and everyone else for your amazing support, all the messages and videos that you did for me during this harrowing time that I had. I thank you for your unconditional trust.
Continued the Romanian. 
This support has meant the world to me and gave me strength to keep fighting each day to show the truth! I will share the news about my case with you all as soon as I receive it. I wish you all the very best. Good and truth always prevail. Simona
Concluded the former World No. 1.

No confirmed date for the announcement of the verdict in Simona Halep’s case

The waiting period is endless for the two-time Grand Slam title winner. This is in line with the court’s statement before the commencement of the closed-door trial that took place a few days ago.

Simona Halep
Simona Halep (via IMAGO)

Halep’s case has already been delayed a lot. She did not get her CAS hearing until almost a year later. Following that, it was alleged that her identity led to the panel of judges turning themselves on the decision and announcing the ban.

With CAS the last ray of hope for the former Wimbledon winner, she and her fans can only keep their fingers crossed as the verdict is awaited. Halep has maintained her fitness nevertheless with frequent visits to practice courts. If she is cleared, one can assume it won’t be much longer before she returns to action.

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