Former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, Simona Halep, has been suspended from professional tennis for four years due to doping violations.
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The suspension was announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
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Halep was suspended in October 2022 after failing a drug test at the 2022 US Open, testing positive for the banned substance Roxadustat.
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Roxadustat is an anti-anemia medication for kidney disease and is prohibited in professional sports.
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Irregularities in Halep's athlete biological passport also contributed to the decision.
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Despite Halep's explanations and expert scientific witnesses, the ITIA concluded that she had committed intentional Anti-Doping Rule Violations.
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The suspension began in October 2022 and will last until October 6, 2026.
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Halep has expressed her intention to appeal the suspension and clear her name of the allegations.
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She claims that her positive test was due to accidental exposure to roxadustat, resulting from contaminated nutritional supplements.
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Halep has emphasized her commitment to the sport and her track record of never knowingly or intentionally using prohibited substances.
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