Home/Tennis

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Simona Halep doping controversy began in late 2022 and concluded recently. The Romanian was given a four-year ban for Roxadustat in her blood. Outrage over the sentence was immense, and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) faced the brunt of it. However, some recent developments have shifted the anger. Patrick Mouratoglou, who used to coach Serena Williams and recently coached Halep, admitted to giving her supplements that contained a trace of the substance. Enraged, Halep fans have ripped him apart.

Halep’s fans did not like Mouratoglou much from the start. They had problems with him from the moment the provisional ban was given to Halep. Now, their dislike for him has increased manifold.

Simona Halep fans angry after confession

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Recently, Patrick Mouratoglou said that he felt responsible for all issues faced by Halep. He and his team proposed to her that she take collagen. However, the collagen they brought for her was contaminated with traces of Roxadustat, and over time, the dosage made it discoverable in her blood. After a late confession, fans of the Romanian were furious as they ripped the French coach apart.

A fan who was livid with the French coach went on a lengthy tirade and called Mouratoglou a “coward.” They said that if he had been truthful from the beginning, no one would’ve hated Halep. After having no place to hide, he revealed the truth, and now the comment of Halep feeling betrayed makes sense. They further discussed Mouratoglou convincing Halep to sack her entire team and said he didn’t want her family in her corner.

They also mentioned Halep’s divorce, which happened a year after she joined forces with the French coach. They asked the WTA and the ITIA to ensure he and his academy were punished heavily.

One fan felt incredulous that it took this long for the French coach to come out and say it.

An X user said that it would be better to have an enemy rather than a friend like Mouratoglou.

One Halep fan said she made a big mistake hiring Mouratoglou as her coach.

Noticing the choice of his words, one fan said that he still does not take responsibility and only said that he “feels responsible.” Therefore, he is only making this statement to make sure his tennis empire stays strong, and the guilt in his mind is reduced.

Mouratoglou’s image has taken a big hit, and he and his academy are bound to be scrutinized going forward. But for Halep, the French coach is not a personality who is loved by her fans.

Read More – ‘Simona Halep Is a Symbol’ – Latest Update From Wta Star’s Doping Saga Lands Ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou in a Sea of Criticism

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Halep fans and their disdain for Mouratoglou

When Simona Halep was under a provisional ban after initial doping claims, her fans had become doubtful of the French coach. Their dislike for him only intensified when Mouratoglou joined hands with Rune in 2022. Many took to social media to lambast him, going as far as to call him a “bloodsucker” and saying he had to find a way to be in front of the cameras again.

After that incident, Halep congratulated their partnership after Rune won the 2022 Paris Masters. Her fans were displeased with her behavior and said that she had been brainwashed and was experiencing Stockholm Syndrome, as she said she was proud of her coach. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Mouratoglou already carried a troubling image in the hearts of Halep fans. Now, after his confession, any chance he might have had at redemption has slipped away and gone forever.

Watch This Story – Serena and Venus Williams Ailing Father ‘King’ Richard Strikes Up a Pose With Daughter in Rare Outing