Simon Halep’s Doping Ban After Effects Come to Light as the Tennis Star Reveals Harrowing Tale of ‘Anxiety Attacks’

All’s not well at the end of Simona Halep. The former World Number 1 has been in the news ever since she was caught in a doping scandal. While Halep has maintained her innocence, she was banned for 4 years from tennis. In a major jolt for Halep, it could potentially be a career-ending blow for her. Recently, she spoke about how the doping scandal affected her mental health.

Although Halep was found guilty, she hasn’t given up on proving her innocence. She appealed against her ban in the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the hearing will take place early next year. Nonetheless, Halep is going through tough times.

Simona Halep reveals distressing update

Recently, Halep was involved in an interview with Paris Match where she talked about her doping fiasco. The former World Number 1 faced an uncertain future as her name popped up in the doping scandal. Eventually, she was found guilty and received punishment in the form of a 4-year ban.

Talking about the after-effects of the doping ban, Halep revealed, “The current period is the hardest of my entire career, but I have no animosity or negative feelings. Tennis is my whole life and it always will be.”

Further, she went on to add, “I went through periods where I couldn’t sleep, where I had anxiety attacks. I am known to be a very emotional player. Before matches, stress caused me very severe abdominal pain. Since I received this suspension, it’s as if I live every day with this pain and anxiety. Although today things are a little better.”

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With the 4-year ban, rumors have been floating regarding the retirement of Halep. At 32, she already has the best years in tennis behind her. Recently, Halep shared a cryptic statement regarding her retirement.

What did Halep say about retirement?

Along with being sidelined from the tour, Halep is facing mental challenges as she tries to cope with the disappointment of the ban. Moreover, with age not by her side, Halep knows that retirement is looming over her. She recently broke her silence on this matter.

Halep said, “I cannot know what will happen over the next three years, how my body will evolve. My dream is to come back, whatever my age. One thing is certain: I want to choose how my career ends, and I don’t want to end my playing life anywhere other than on a court.”

Halep will have to wait until the early part of next year to know if she can play tennis again on the WTA Tour. The hearing is set to take place on February 7-9. Will Halep’s ban be overturned? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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