'This Is Terribly Disappointing': Distressed Halep Says Doping Verdict Will Be Delayed
Former WTA No. 1 Simona Halep shared disappointing news about her doping verdict which looks like it will be prolonged for an indefinite period.
Halep, currently serving a provisional suspension for two separate anti-doping violations, has spent a whole calendar year out of the game. The Romanian star last played at the 2022 US Open where she suffered a first-round defeat to Daria Snigur.
Since then, Halep underwent nasal surgery after experiencing breathing difficulties, shutting down her 2022 season altogether. A month later, Halep received shocking revelations, being informed she had tested positive for a banned substance at the US Open.
She was then hit with a second doping charge earlier this year due to inconsistencies with her biological passport. Halep contested both charges at the London District Court in late June and was hopeful of getting a verdict to her arguments within a few weeks. But weeks have now turned into months, and as September kicks in, she disclosed that judgment has now been delayed.
"Today, I found out that the decision in my case, which was expected this week, will be further delayed. This is terribly disappointing, as I have consistently said that all I ask for is to be judged. It is hard to explain the emotional toll that all of these delays have had and continue to have on me."
Halep's inactivity has come at a personal cost, with the Romanian expected to drop the remaining 10 points in the WTA rankings after the US Open, and will be unranked. Despite making the entry list at the year's final major, Halep was deemed ineligible to compete, and the tournament eventually scrubbed off her name.
Currently, away from the Tour, Halep cannot play professionally as per the ITF rulebook relating to a breach of anti-doping regulations. She has hired former ATP player Joao Monteiro as a hitting partner to try and get herself fit. Recently, she was forced to dismiss reports from the Romanian press that the pair were involved in a romantic relationship.
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