Simona Halep failing a drug test at the US Open came as a shock to the entire sporting world. After seeing two tennis legends, Serena Williams and Roger Federer, retire from the sport, this news has made 2022, a season full of highs and lows for the tennis fraternity. Recently, Novak Djokovic’s tennis organization came in support of the Romanian star.
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Halep, the 2019 Wimbledon Champion, failed a drug test at the US Open, and she has been subsequently suspended from participating in any events until further notice from the International Tennis Integrity Association.
Novak Djokovic-led organization releases statement in support of Simona Halep
After the doping allegations surfaced, the Professional Tennis Players Association issued a statement regarding the same. Djokovic’s PTPA has backed the Romanian star in her fight to clear her name from the doping scandal.
The statement released by the PTPA reads, “The PTPA is committed to ensuring that Simona Halep, like all other tennis players, receives a fair trial throughout the process.” The association wants to help the two-time Grand Slam champion to make a fair chase.
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The statement further reads, “We will fight for their rights and try to insist on transparency for all other tennis players.” After reading many negative comments about their favorite star, this came out as a relief for Halep fans. The former world number one has won two Grand Slam titles till now, one at the 2018 French Open and the other a year later at Wimbledon. Even her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, shared a message for the Romanian star, saying she has his 100% support in this fight.
Halep vows to fight back
The doping news undoubtedly shocked the two-time Grand Slam champion. However, after the ITIA statement, the tennis player released a strong message. The tennis star claimed in her statement that she would never consider cheating because it goes against her morals. But as a result of her negative drug test, she feels utterly misled and confused.
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Further, the former world number one addressed this incident as one of the hardest fights of her life. She also wrote that she vows to clear her name after the failed dope test and fight until the end. The former world number one was last seen playing at the US Open, where she lost in the first round against Daria Snigur.