Simona Halep’s former coach, Darren Cahill, defended the Romanian after the former Wimbledon and French Open tennis champion tested positive for doping.
Darren Cahill said there was “no way” she had intentionally or knowingly taken the banned substance. It was announced on Friday that Simona Halep, 31, had tested positive for Roxadustat while competing at the US Open in August.
Simona Halep, who was suspended, feels “confused and betrayed” but has yet to explain why and by whom she feels betrayed.
“First and foremost, there is no way Simona Halep knowingly or intentionally took any banned substance. None. Zero. She researches everything she is prescribed by her medical professionals and every supplement she uses. Simona Halep uses the words: please double check this, triple check this to make sure it’s legal, safe and allowed. If you’re not sure, I won’t accept it”, wrote Darren Cahill on his Instagram account.
The Australian has worked alongside Lleyton Hewitt, Ana Ivanovic, Andy Murray and Andre Agassi. He appreciates Simona Halep as an extremely high-quality athlete and person.
“Simona Halep’s integrity is outstanding, she respects everyone, loves the game and always has her feet firmly on the ground. Honesty has always been her greatest strength and her greatest weakness. We often laughed at the fact that she couldn’t act and she can’t tell even a small lie. Now there is a process to reveal the answers to many questions. As Simona said – the hardest match of her life begins now. I believe in her”, added Darren Cahill.
