Simona Halep has begun her long-awaited anti-doping tribunal, which will take place over the next two weeks and decide when the Romanian player can return to professional tennis.
Halep was banned from tennis last October after the 31-year-old tested positive for the banned substance, Roxadustat. Originally, Halep was banned following her first-round loss in the 2022 US Open against Daria Snigur and her hearing in front of the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) has been delayed three times since.
But Romanian news provider Digisport revealed that the Romanian player's hearing began on Wednesday, June 28 in London and the ITIA will form their final verdict within the next two weeks. Also, Digisport reporter Dragos Suciu shared that Halep has already presented her argument against doping alongside her lawyers.
"She was heard today, but she will be heard tomorrow as well. In about two weeks we should have a first verdict. The moment that was delayed has happened.
"Together with the lawyers, Simona presented her arguments. We will see what the decisions will be. Generally, two-year suspensions are given here, then the decisions are appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They are generally halved there. "The term of provisional suspension is reduced, and that provisional suspension is from November 2022"
Ultimately, Halep will be relieved once the case reaches its conclusion as she has previously spoken out about the damaging effect the ongoing process has had on her mental health. In addition, other commentators have spoken out and criticised the ITIA's delay and postponements since October 2022, which have slowed the Romanian's potential comeback to tennis.
Currently, Halep potentially faces a ban between two to four years, depending on the ITIA’s final ruling. But the two-time Grand Slam champion will have the chance to appeal the final decision, which could potentially reduce her suspension.
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