
via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – May 26, 2022 Romania’s Simona Halep acknowledges the spectators after losing her second round match against China’s Qinwen Zheng REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – May 26, 2022 Romania’s Simona Halep acknowledges the spectators after losing her second round match against China’s Qinwen Zheng REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Romanian tennis star Simona Halep has found herself in troubled waters recently. The 31-year-old was doing well and was performing consistently on the tour after collaborating with Patrick Mouratoglou. However, her recent drug test has landed her in trouble. The Romanian has tested positive for the banned substance, Roxadustat.
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Earlier, Halep was one of the mainstays in the top 10 before an injury made it worse for the 31-year-old. Back in 2017, Halep was at the top of the WTA ranking. However, she played in the Australian Open without a sponsor. It’s very strange to see a top-ranked player playing without a sponsor. Here’s what could be the probable reason behind this.
Why Adidas parted ways with Simona Halep?
Back in 2018, Halep was the world number 1. However, her outfit leaked a familiar Adidas logo that she had been donning for a long time. The former world number 1 parted ways with the sports brand, but what could be the reason? A statement from another Romanian tennis star makes it look controversial.
I guess Simona was a victim of this thinking by Adidas. Simona was world #1 when her contract was up with them and she asked for more money and they said no. I guess now we know it was because, as Sori says "not look good and be number 1". pic.twitter.com/BqQav3FYCy
— Philip T Boosey (@PhilipTBoosey) October 25, 2022
Sorana Cirstea is a Romanian tennis player, who is currently ranked at 38 in the WTA rankings. While appearing in the La Fileu podcast, Sorana said that good looks matter more for a better deal than good performance. While Simona made it to the top rank, she definitely would have demanded more money, as she excelled in her sport. However, it didn’t materialize.
Recently, Adidas ended its contract with American rapper and songwriter Kanye West. The American was with Adidas since 2013.
While we have seen top players making a good income from endorsements and sponsorships, it’s a sad truth that good looks bring more to the table and sponsors have that as one of the crucial considerations.
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Halep spoke about her suspension
Simona Halep has tested positive for the banned drug Roxadustat. It is a performance-enhancing drug that Halep tested positive for in her routine test at the US Open 2022. While both her samples A and B tested positive for the drug, the Romanian vowed she didn’t take it purposely.

via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 20, 2022 Romania’s Simona Halep reacts during her second round match against Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake
Further, the 31-year-old was shocked and said that she will fight till the end and prove that she has not consumed any banned substance intentionally.
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WATCH THIS STORY – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Simona Halep produce unreal moments at Miami Open
The International Tennis Integrity Agency has provisionally suspended Halep for now. While it’s still not clear whether the Romanian doped intentionally or by mistake, she has a chance of getting a ban of four years if she fails to prove her innocence.
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