Halep issues statement after new anti-doping rule violation allegation

Athletistic/Tennis. Former world number one, 31-year-old Romanian tennis player Simona Halep has released a statement after a new allegation against her from the ITIA (the international organization responsible for ensuring integrity in professional tennis). Previously suspended after finding a banned substance in her blood while performing at the 2022 US Open, Halep has been charged with breaching her biological passport.

• Halep charged with another anti-doping rule violation

“Since October 7, when I was charged with possible doping by the ITIA, I have been living the worst nightmare of my life.

My name has not only been tarnished in the worst possible way; Moreover, I endure the ITIA’s prolonged persistence in proving my guilt when I never thought about taking illegal substances.

I tried twice to get the Independent Tribunal to convene, but the ITIA constantly found reasons to postpone it.

When it turned out that I was a victim whose name was tarnished, they found the so-called bad changes in my blood. At the same time, three world-renowned experts proved that everything was fine with my blood.

I feel helpless, harassed and motivated by them to prove my guilt in something I never did. I’ll say it again: all my life I’ve been against scams. It’s not in line with my values.

My only hope is to have the case heard by independent and impartial judges of the Tribunal, who will give me a chance to prove my innocence.

I believe in justice and look forward to presenting my case at the hearing which, after several procrastination at the initiative of the ITIA, will take place at the end of May.

The support of my loved ones, the tennis world and my fans gives me the strength to continue training every day and fighting for the truth. With love, Simone,” the tennis player said in a statement on her social media.

• Halep: ‘I will fight to the end to prove that I have never knowingly taken illegal substances’