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.
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).
The suspension was announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Image Credit - Instagram
Halep was suspended in October 2022 after failing a drug test at the 2022 US Open, testing positive for the banned substance Roxadustat.
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.
Roxadustat is an anti-anemia medication for kidney disease and is prohibited in professional sports.
Image Credit - Instagram
Irregularities in Halep's athlete biological passport also contributed to the decision.
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.
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.
The suspension began in October 2022 and will last until October 6, 2026.
Image Credit - Instagram
Halep has expressed her intention to appeal the suspension and clear her name of the allegations.
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.
She claims that her positive test was due to accidental exposure to roxadustat, resulting from contaminated nutritional supplements.
Image Credit - Instagram
Halep has emphasized her commitment to the sport and her track record of never knowingly or intentionally using prohibited substances.
Halep has emphasized her commitment to the sport and her track record of never knowingly or intentionally using prohibited substances.
Image Credit - Instagram