Once at the peak of her career and ruling the tennis world, Simona Halep has suffered a tremendous fall in the recent past. Last year, the former World Number 1 failed a dope test and was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency. It was a big blow to Halep, who denied any wrongdoing. Exactly a year later, the Romanian tennis star received another big blow.

The 31-year-old was hoping for a comeback at the recently concluded US Open. However, she wasn’t cleared to play in the tournament as the decision on her suspension was postponed to a later date. The result is out now and things aren’t looking great for Halep.

Simona Halep faces massive punishment

The 2-time Grand Slam champion last played at the 2022 US Open where she lost in the opening round. With Halep being 31 years old, ITIA’s latest announcement potentially ends her career.

Halep has been suspended for four years after testing positive for Roxadustat and irregularities in her biological passport. In a statement released by the ITIA CEO  Karen Moorhouse, he said, “The volume of evidence for the tribunal to consider in both the roxadustat and ABP proceedings was substantial…”

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Along with the failed dope test, Halep also received punishment for irregularities found in her biological passport. Halep has been continuously looking forward to making a comeback to tennis.

However, with the latest announcement, her return hopes seem dim now. She even poured her heart out when a delay in decision-making led to her hopes ending for 2023 US Open participation.

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When Halep was left dejected

The decision on Halep’s provisional suspension was supposed to be out before the US Open this year. However, it was further delayed by the authorities and the final decision is out now.

Reacting to the delay in decision-making, she said, “Today I found out that the decision in my case, which was expected this week, will be further delayed. This is terribly disappointing, as I have consistently said that all I ask for is to be judged. It is hard to explain the emotional toll that all of these delays have had and continue to have on me.”

Meanwhile, it is a major blow to Romanian tennis. Halep has carried her country’s hopes for so many years now and the void created by her will be difficult to fill now.

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