Simona Halep admitted to the press that she cannot disclose any information about her hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport but emphasized her “confidence” in a favorable outcome.
After testing positive for the anti-anaemia drug Roxadustat and receiving a provisional suspension in October 2022, Halep faced a second anti-doping violation in May 2023 due to “irregularities in her biological passport.” Despite maintaining her innocence throughout the entire process, Halep was found guilty and handed a four-year ban in September.
Following the announcement of her four-year ban, the two-time Grand Slam champion expressed her intention to appeal the decision to the CAS and clear her name. This week, Halep traveled to Switzerland for her hearing, which took place from Wednesday to Friday in Lausanne.
Halep was unable to speak to the media after the initial two days of the hearing but had the opportunity to do so on Friday.
“I cannot provide any details about the hearing, but I can confirm that it allowed me to present my defense,” Halep stated to reporters upon leaving the courtroom.
With Halep’s case now presented at the CAS, it may take up to a month or even a few months before a verdict is reached. This represents the final stage for Halep, as she either awaits clearance to resume playing or upholds her four-year doping ban.
Considering that Halep’s ban began in October 2022, it would extend until October 2026 if upheld. However, given Halep’s age of 32, maintaining the four-year ban would likely mark the end of her career.
For Halep, the decision from the CAS holds significant weight in determining whether she continues her professional tennis career or chooses to retire.
According to the Source tennisworldusa.org