Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep – who won Wimbledon in 2019 – is charged with a second doping violation over ‘irregularities in her athlete’s biological passport’
Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has been charged with a second doping violation.
The charge relates to “irregularities in her athlete biological passport.”
Halep has been provisionally suspended since October last year after testing positive for the banned drug roxadustat at the US Open.
Roxadustat stimulates the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
The two charges facing Halep are unrelated.
Nicole Sapstead, Senior Director Anti-Doping at the ITIA, said: ‘We understand that today’s announcement adds complexity to an already high-profile situation. From the beginning of this process – and indeed every other process at the ITIA – we have remained committed to dealing with Ms. Halep in an empathetic, efficient and timely manner.
‘Of course we appreciate that there is a lot of media attention for these matters. It would be inappropriate to comment on specific details until the conclusion of the trial, but we will continue to work with the independent tribunal of Sport Resolutions and Ms. Halep’s representatives as soon as possible.”
Halep last month appealed to tennis’s anti-doping organization to give her a chance to clear her name.
Halep denies taking a banned substance. She also stated that she has evidence showing that small amounts of roxadustat entered her body as a result of an approved substance that was contaminated.
Halep told Tennis Majors, “I didn’t want to go out and talk because it was very emotional.
‘Actually, I couldn’t handle it very well. But now I feel the need to speak out loud to my supporters, my fans and the public because I’m sure they really want to know why it’s taking so long and I really felt the need to do that.
“The ITF has requested that the March 24 hearing be canceled,” Halep added. “I disagreed, because as the rule says, a player provisionally suspended is entitled to an expedited hearing. Everything takes so long.
“I asked the ITF to lift my sanction in order to play, but they also refused.”
Halep says she’s taken 10 tests since her positive result, and they’ve all been negative. She now hopes to hold a hearing in May, but fears that it will also be cancelled.
“I believe it is not fair to spend eight months without even being convicted by the Tribunal. Emotionally, the whole period has not been easy,” said 31-year-old Halep.
“I’m not asking for special treatment. I only ask to be judged. How long will this go on?’