Two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No 1 Simona Halep has been permanently banned from tennis for a period of four years. This is the decision of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which was made after an independent investigation.
The offenses for which Halep is being punished are two: a banned substance (roxadustat) was found in a doping sample from last year’s US Open and violations in the Romanian’s biological passport.
ITIA said it reached its conclusion based on the collection and analysis of 51 blood samples provided by Simona Halep.
Simona Halep has been suspended from tennis since October 2022 and can appeal the decision to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). If the sanction remains in force, the Romanian tennis player will not be able to play professionally until October 6, 2026, when she will be 35.
Simona Halep said she “refuses to accept the ITIA’s decision of a four-year sentence”.
“I take very seriously the rules that govern our sport and I am proud of the fact that I have never knowingly or intentionally used a banned substance. I refuse to accept their decision to give me a four-year sentence. I continue to train and do everything in my power to clear my name from these false accusations and get back on the court”, said Simona Halep in a statement. “I intend to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and use all legal remedies against the dietary supplement company in question”, added she.
The 31-year-old Romanian is the champion of the French Open / Roland Garros in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019, and was the leader in the world rankings for a total of 64 weeks. She has 24 WTA titles in her career.
