Simona Halep’s doping ban appeal hearing begins after years of delay at the Court of Arbitration for Sport

The former World No. 1 is currently suspended until October 2026 and is looking to overturn the decision.

Simona Halep’s doping ban appeal hearing begins after years of delay at the Court of Arbitration for Sport

Simona Halep (via IMAGO)

Two-time Grand Slam champ Simona Halep is currently in one of the biggest battles of her life. To her misfortune, it is not happening on a tennis court where she could dictate the proceedings.

Halep is currently in the Swiss city of Lausanne for her hearing in the doping case. After being found guilty and suspended for four years in September 2023, she challenged the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest court in sports. 

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Things turned upside down for the Romanian after the 2022 US Open. She ended her season after suffering a first-round defeat at the Major as she had to undergo a medical procedure. But shortly afterward, she was found guilty of doping after her medical results returned a sample of roxadustat, a banned substance.

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She unequivocally denied any wrongdoing and challenged the decision. While the initial hearing failed to find her innocent, she has now approached the CAS. Meanwhile, her coach at the time, Patrick Mouratoglou, took the responsibility for incorrectly giving her the drug, but that had no effect on the Romanian’s fate. 

She has since parted ways with the Frenchman and his academy after having her trust broken. She is now in Lausanne for the hearing, which will be held behind closed doors. 

The hearing will go on for three days before the final decision is taken. If the decision is not changed, Halep will be out of all competitions until October 7, 2026. This would mean she returns to the tour days after her 35th birthday. 

No indication can be given as to when the final arbitral award will be notified to the parties.
The court said in a statement.

Simona Halep has hired a top lawyer from the USA to fight for her

After being let down massively by Mouratoglou and his academy, Halep is at risk of losing her career. After missing four years, it is unlikely she will be able to return to the top of her game. She admitted that her failure to prove herself innocent could be the ‘end of her career’, hinting at an unlikely return in 2026. 

Simona Halep and Patrick Mouratoglou
Simona Halep and Patrick Mouratoglou (via X)

To help her prove her innocence, the former World No. 1 has hired American lawyer Howard Jacobs. The attorney has a track record of representing athletes stuck in doping cases. The three CAS judges are Annabelle Bennett of Australia, German professor Ulrich Haas, and American judge Jeffrey Benz.

As per the official court statement, the conclusion of the hearing will take place on February 9 at around 3:30 p.m. local time. Halep will not be making any public statements in the meantime, as she will be present in person during the hearing. 

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