Surprise Comeback on Cards for 31YO Doping-Banned Simona Halep as Last-Minute Delay Creates US Open Hopes

A doping ban is one of the most serious charges in any sport. Simona Halep was handed a doping ban last year when traces of Roxadustat were found in her blood. Unhappy with the result, she decided to challenge the decision. The verdict from the June end hearing has not yet arrived. However, people are assuming good news is in store for the Romanian player, as she might get back on tour rather soon.

Halep challenged the provisional ban but received no confirmation from the end of the ITIA. While they did often say that they would hear her side, delays were all she received. But eventually, a hearing was held last month. Although no result was declared, the former number 1 might be back on tour.

Simona Halep makes it to the entry list
October 2022 was probably the worst month for Halep. After a comeback on the WTA scene and the top 10, her rhythm came to a screeching halt. She received a ban owing to doping. Since then, her only bond with professional tennis has been her communication with ITIA. Absent from the tour, the 2019 Wimbledon champ fell down the rankings.

But good news seemingly awaits her and her fans. Recently, the entry list for the US Open was delayed by 24 hours. Along with it came joyful news for Halep, as she was on the list with other players as well.

The news was also shared on Twitter, “BREAKING NEWS | A last minute change occurred on Tuesday and for the 1st time in 2023 @Simona_Halep appears on a tournament entry list. On Monday she wasn’t on the preliminary US Open list and the organizers, as well as the @WTA delayed publishing the final one by more than 24 h.”

BREAKING NEWS | A last minute change occurred on Tuesday and for the 1st time in 2023 @Simona_Halep appears on a tournament entry list. On Monday she wasn’t on the preliminary US Open list and the organizers, as well as the @WTA delayed publishing the final one by more than 24 h. pic.twitter.com/UWQImbidnK

— Daniel Radu (@danielradutenis) July 19, 2023

This piece of news came as a surprise as there was still no clear verdict from her hearing.

Nevertheless, Halep can find solace in the fact that a potential two-year ban is unlikely since she made it to the list for the US Open.

Romanian player finds light in the dark
Months upon months passed by, but Halep could not persuade the ITIA for a hearing to challenge the ban. It finally took place in London in June end. After the hearing, a report from Digisport said that she would be heard for two days, and then the committee would take two weeks to decide the fate of her career.

Quite a bit of anxiety was also floating in the air as she could have received a two-year ban if found guilty of doping. However, the recent news of her being on the list for the US Open could be a sign that the hearing went in her favor.