Finally, the Simona Halep fans have something to cheer about! After months of waiting helplessly, the Romanian has run out of patience. The former world number 1 tested positive for doping in October 2022 and she hasn’t been able to compete since then. She has missed out on the Australian Open and Roland Garros and will miss next week’s Wimbledon as well.
After constant appeals that the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) has delayed, Halep has taken the matter into her own hands. She took a massive step in her doping case and soon we will be hearing a verdict. But what did Halep do here?
Simona Halep goes one step forward in London
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Halep’s quest to prove her innocence continues. She went to the London court with her lawyers and presented her case. Initially, the Romanian was suspended for 8 months, but things worsened when ITIA found irregularities in her biological passport.
A Digisport report said, “She was heard today, but she will be heard tomorrow as well. In about two weeks we should have a first verdict. Together with the lawyers, Simona presented her arguments. We will see what the decisions will be. Generally, two-year suspensions are given here, then the decisions are appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They are generally halved there.”
BREAKING:
Simona Halep finally went to court today
"In 2 weeks we should have a 1st verdict.. Simona presented her arguments. We’ll see what the decision will be.”
There’s a good chance she’ll face 2 year suspension, which she’ll likely appeal.
Let the fair trial begin. 🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/hhIUxJor7J
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 29, 2023
The report suggests that Halep might receive a two-year ban, but if her appeal is successful, she can reduce the term significantly. The two-time major champion lost all hope in ITIA after the agency kept delaying her hearings. The London court, however, has shown positive signs with its statement yesterday.
‘Justice delayed is justice denied’
Whether guilty or not, every individual has a right to be heard. After receiving the provisional ban, Halep took her blood sample to three renowned doctors who confirmed that her blood was normal. However, the ITIA did not bother to listen to the Romanian. The ITIA denied Halep’s hearing on three occasions, which forced her to take the case to London.
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— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) May 24, 2023
The Agency claimed to show empathy towards Halep, but at the same time, they kept her on hold for months. They disrespected ITF’s (Internation Tennis Federation) rule of allowing a quick hearing for the accused player. Halep famously ended her message by saying, “Justice delayed is justice denied“.
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Do you think Simona Halep will make a comeback soon? Do let us know in the comments.