Simona Halep’s father left puzzled by his daughter’s doping allegations, says “She would never drink water from a bottle unless she opened it herself”
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Stere Halep and Simona Halep
Former World No. 1 Simona Halep was suspended from all tennis activities on Friday, 21st October 2022. The decision came into effect after Halep’s test results from the 2022 US Open showed traces of a banned substance called roxadustat. The drug is commonly used by patients suffering from anemia.
Halep now faces possible expulsion for 4 years from the sport following a detailed investigation. While the 2-time major winner has pleaded innocence in the case, the official verdict will determine the Romanian’s fate in the near future.
Speaking about the entire case, Simona’s father, Stere Halep, came forward in support of his daughter. Speaking with the Romanian site Observatornews, Halep Sr. also said his daughter being found guilty of doping is extremely shocking for him and he believes she will be cleared of the charges soon.
“It’s not an easy situation to go through! But with faith and God’s help, everything will be resolved. And I hope that the competent bodies will do justice. Simona is therefore guilty of nothing at all. She took something for her glands, but we don’t know anything,” said Halep’s father.
Simona Halep’s father refuses to pin the blame on anyone
With various fan theories being floating on multiple major social media platforms about who could possibly give the drug to the 2-time major winner, her father has distanced himself from the matter itself. Stere Halep has taken the high road and refused to call out anyone, at least in the public, until he has clear evidence to back his official claim on the entire matter.
“Who would prescribe such a thing? Simona doesn’t even have a personal doctor, never had one. She would never drink water from a bottle unless she opened it herself. We suspect absolutely no one because suspicion is the greatest of sins. Treason? I do not know who it is.
“She feels betrayed by what’s going on, not necessarily by anyone. We are a family that does not suspect anyone until the plain truth is known,” added Halep‘s father, as the family now prepares for a big battle to prove the tennis star’s innocence in the case.
At the time of writing, the WTA or the ITF are yet to comment on the situation. The length of the ban can also be adjusted as per the findings of the investigation as both the Tour and the player would hope to clear things before the commencement of the 2023 season in January.
Halep had already ended her season after her first-round exit from the 2022 US Open. While she would have hoped to rest and recharge for the next season, the Romanian will now be preparing for one of the most challenging fights of her life.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)