Simona Halep charged with second doping offense
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has charged Simona Halep with a second doping offense on Friday, May 19.
In October 2022, the ITIA imposed a provisional ban on Halep after a banned substance was found in her drug test during the 2022 US Open in August. The drug, called Roxadustat, helps in creating red blood cells and is included in the list of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) prohibited substances.
While Halep was already unhappy with the proceedings so far, she has now received the news of a separate charge against her.
In a statement, the ITIA stated that the new offense was a breach of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) and suggested "irregularities in her Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)."
The ABP method helps anti-doping organizations regulate numerous blood parameters over time, to identify potential Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs). ITIA senior director Nicole Sapstead promised smooth communication to the Romanian player, saying:
“We understand that today’s announcement adds complexity to an already high-profile situation. From the outset of this process – and indeed any other at the ITIA – we have remained committed to engaging with Ms. Halep in an empathetic, efficient, and timely manner."
She added:
"We do, of course, appreciate there is a great deal of media interest in these cases. It would be inappropriate for us to comment on specifics until the conclusion of the process, but we will continue to engage with the Sport Resolutions independent tribunal and Ms. Halep’s representatives as expeditiously as possible."
Maria Sharapova was the last top tennis player to be accused of doping as she faced an initial two-year ban for testing positive for Meldonium. However, after an appeal, her suspension was reduced to 15 months.
Simona Halep slams ITIA after fresh charges
Reacting to her second doping offense, Simona Halep took to social media to slam the International Tennis Integrity Agency, saying that the organization was hell-bent to prove the charges against her.
"Since October 7, when I got charged by the ITIA, for a suspicion of doping, I have lived the worst nightmare I have ever gone through in my life. Not only has my name been soiled in the worst possible way, but I am facing a constant determination from the ITIA for a reason that I cannot understand, to prove my guilt while I haven't ever even thought of taking an illicit substance," she said.
"I feel helpless facing such harassment and motivation on their behalf to prove me guilty of something I never did. Once again, all my life I have been totally against any sort of cheating. It doesn't align with my values," she added.
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Halep is a two-time Grand Slam champion. She beat Sloane Stephens to win the 2018 French Open and Serena Williams to win the 2019 Wimbledon.