Simona Halep isn’t the only WTA player whose competitive journey has been hindered by a doping ban. Back in 2016, Maria Sharapova was in hot water after she tested positive for consuming a substance called meldonium, which was banned by the authorities. As she was ultimately allowed to return to the tour, the Russian tennis star’s wild card entry to a tournament became a point of contention for many in the sporting community, including Halep.

Sharapova’s wildcard participation in the Porsche Grand Prix became a target of dissent from the Romanian player, as she had previously issued some candid statements. Coincidentally, seven years after that incident, Halep has now met exact fate in her journey on the tour.

While issuing her honest take on Sharapova’s first tennis match after doping suspension, the 2-time singles Grand Slam champion said, “For the kids, for the young players, it is not OK to help with a wild card the player that was banned for doping. It is not about Maria Sharapova here, but it is about all the players that are found doped.” As she was against doping-banned players receiving wildcards in their returns, Halep asserted that it would not serve justice to youngsters who are more deserving.

The Romanian player went on to open up about how she is against the tournament director’s decision to give a wild card entry to the former tennis ace. She said, “I cannot support what the tournament director did, but also I cannot judge.” Now, in turn of events this season, Halep has found herself in the same exact situation, as she also accepted a wildcard invitation from a tournament after her doping suspension.

Simona Halep is all set to participate in the biggest East American WTA 1000 event

The recent ruling by the top court has reduced the WTA player’s doping suspension to nine months, which means she can now return to her on-court duties. Just after the revelation, Halep received a wild card invitation from the forthcoming Miami Open, and she has now accepted it.

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Ahead of her first competitive game after her doping saga, Halep took to social media to reveal that she is quite thrilled to return to the tour. She said, “I’m thrilled to let you all know that I will be making my return to the WTA Tour in two weeks at the @miamiopen! Thank you to the tournament for giving me this opportunity and I cannot wait to be back on court and competing. See you all soon!”

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