Simona Halep defended by Romanian Tennis Federation Head, reveals the former World No. 1 used to be “tested 20 times per year”
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Simona Halep
Simona Halep continues to be in the news following her suspension. Halep’s test results from the 2022 US Open detected Roxadustat present in her test samples, a drug that’s been listed illegal by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Following the test, Halep now stands suspended from all tennis activities.
While the tennis community remains divided on the subject, the 2-time Grand Slam champion has received support from her national tennis federation. George Cosac, the acting President of the Romanian Tennis Federation came forward to back their superstar and vouch for her innocence.
“Far from me thinking that Simona could do something like that, especially since she had a brilliant and work-based career. During the period when Simona started her ascent and beat all the stars who dominated world tennis, she was checked about 20 times per year,” said Cosac speaking with AGERPRES.
Romanian Tennis head says Simona Halep’s situation is not clear
While Halep has issued only one statement so far pleading innocence, fans and players have issued various statements. While the WTA or the ITF are yet to give their take, the length of her suspension is not yet clear completely.
“So it is unlikely that anyone would think that at her level she could dope. She has always been an athlete who played and won correctly. I rule out the possibility of doping. From my point of view, the situation is not clear.
“Until the second sample appears, until it is verified, to see exactly what happened, we cannot make a decision or a definitive decision,” added Cosac further giving Halep full support and backing, something the 2-time major winner requires desperately.
Halep becomes the second big-profile player after Maria Sharapova to be caught in a doping offence. While Sharapova’s case was different where she admitted to using it for medicinal purposes before the drug was listed as illegal, Halep had been reportedly unaware of consuming the drug.
Even Halep’s father has come out in his daughter’s defence hinting at there has been some error in the reports. He even went on to say that the former World No. 1 doesn’t even drink water unless she opens the bottle herself. With all these testimonials in Halep’s support, the suspension will not change unless she’s found innocent by the authorities.
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