How rule difference prevents Halep from signing up for Australian Open but not Verdasco

Simona Halep's hopes to overturn her ban and play at the Australian Open (AO) look to be dead in the water - but fellow suspended player Fernando Verdasco will be eligible to compete thanks to a rulebook 'loophole' separating the men's and ladies tours.

In October, it was announced the Romanian had tested positive for the banned substance Roxadustat at the US Open and she was provisionally suspended from playing in events, with the ban stating "the player is ineligible to compete in or attend any sanctioned tennis events." 

However, reports in her native Romania say Halep has requested an emergency hearing and wanted an Australian Open wildcard.

However, that won't be possible as she can't enter any event during a provisional suspension. Many believed this would be the same case for Fernando Verdasco, who in December accepted a two-month ban for ADHD medication.

That ban expires on January 8, 2023, but he was able to enter the event's qualifying since the ATP rules differ from the WTA stance.

It's a lucky if not controversial break for the Spaniard who is now likely to compete at the qualifiers for the first major of the year and one that may irk many in the tennis world - none more so that Halep.

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