The irremediable fall of Simona Halep is confirmed. After losing her last points in the WTA rankings at the US Open, the Romanian, provisionally suspended for eleven months for doping, has just seen her sanction extended to four years, for two violations of anti-doping regulations. The four years of suspension thus run until October 6, 2026, specifies the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The Romanian player can appeal the decision.
The former world number one had tested positive for roxadustat, a substance banned by WADA since 2015. This product increases the endogenous production of erythropoietin (the famous EPO), promoting the production of blood cells and therefore better oxygenation.