Simona Halep is going to be on the sidelines until October 2026 after receiving a doping ban from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Halep tested positive for roxadustat at the 2022 US Open which is a violation of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP). An investigation found that roxadustat caused irregularities in Halep’s Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).
According to the Associated Press, roxadustat is “approved for medical use in the European Union to treat the symptoms of anemia caused by chronic kidney failure.”
The 31-year-old two-time Grand Slam champion issued a statement on the four-year ban saying that she is “shocked and disappointed” in the ban and she will take legal action against the supplement company.
NEW: Simona Halep says she is "shocked and disappointed" by the decision to ban her for four years for doping.
Halep says she will appeal to Court of Arbitration for Sport and take legal action against the supplement company she says gave her contaminated goods. pic.twitter.com/mmWuUs0q7H
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) September 12, 2023
“I refuse to accept their decision of a four-year ban,” the former World No. 1 said. “While I am grateful to finally have an outcome following numerous unfounded delays and a feeling of living in purgatory for over a year, I am both shocked and disappointed by their decision. I am eternally grateful for the outpouring of support I have received from my family, friends, and tennis fans around the world.
“I am continuing to train and do everything in my power to clear my name of these false allegations and return to the court.”
Halep, who previously won the, will appeal the ITIA’s decision.
