Simona Halep with a positive doping test during the US Open – former number one provisionally suspended

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that under Article 7.12.1. of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP).

The 31-year-old was given a corresponding advance notice on October 7th.

First of all, the active ingredient FG-4592 (roxadustat), which is on the doping list, was detected in the A sample. The drug, which is used for kidney problems, among other things, increases the number of red blood cells and, like EPO, leads to better oxygen supply.

Halep then exercised her right to have the B sample analyzed. However, this confirmed the result of the A-sample.

The 2018 French Open winner and 2019 Wimbledon champion was shocked.

Halep: “It contradicts all values”

“The thought of cheating has never crossed my mind in my entire career because it goes against all the values ​​I was raised with,” Halep wrote on Twitter. She feels “confused and betrayed” by the current situation.

However, Halep also announced that he would take steps. “I will fight to the end to prove that I have never knowingly taken any prohibited substance – and I have faith that sooner or later the truth will come out.”

Halep: “It’s about the love of this game”

Now Halep is fighting for her reputation.

“It’s not about money or titles, it’s about the love for this game that I’ve been playing for 25 years,” the Romanian concluded her emotional post.