After her sentence was reduced for allegedly doping, Simona Halep is finally coming back to tennis for the first time since 2022. However, receiving a wild card to play at the Miami Open did not sit right with some players from the tour, including Caroline Wozniacki. Halep was earlier given a suspension sentence of 4 years which was then reduced to 9 months, with the Romanian finally being proven innocent.

Owing to the criticism she is getting from Wozniacki, a former pro tennis player who never stopped supporting Halep, Kim Clijsters once again came to her rescue.

Kim Clijsters supports Simona Halep against Caroline Wozniacki’s criticism

Caroline Wozniacki was not happy about Simona Halep getting a wildcard entry to the Miami Open after being tested positive for Roxadustat. She stated, “If someone has tested positive for doping, I don’t think people should be awarded wild cards afterward. If you want to come back, and it’s been a mistake, I understand, you should work your way up from the bottom.”

This comment got a response not only from Simona Halep herself but also from her constant supporter Kim Clijsters. The former Belgian player came to her rescue, “When someone tests positive for taking something to become a better athlete, then I one hundred percent agree with Caroline. Halep’s situation is completely different, she tested positive unknowingly.”

To explain her point further, Clijsters added, “In [Halep’s] mind, she didn’t cheat, and I do believe that.” She also gave the example of Maria Sharapova who was also given a wild card after being convicted for doping.

This is not the first time that Clijsters has come forward to lend her support to Halep. When Halep was suspended, Clijsters voiced her opinion on Halep being innocent back then too.

Also read: ‘He Is Not Loved’ – Fans Take Vicious Swipe At Novak Djokovic As He Fails To Claim ATP ‘Favorite’ Award In Roger Federer And Rafael Nadal’s Absence

Clijsters supported Halep right after she got suspended

After Halep denied the charge of consuming doping substances and blamed it on the contaminated supplements, her coach Patrick Mouratoglou was also considered to be at fault. The Romanian had staunchly assumed her position of innocence amidst severe backlash. That is when Clijsters stated that she thinks that blaming only the player is not right.

She mentioned, “I have a really hard time that there is no consequence for the team, that it’s just the athlete. It’s definitely a huge red flag.” Having finally received the okay to play the racket sport again, Simona Halep will be looking to climb the ranks again. What do you think of this wild card entry for Simona Halep Let us know below!