Simona Halep’s Unexpected Doping Suspension Instills a Sense of ‘Confusion’ in WTA No.1 Iga Swiatek – ‘Wouldn’t Expect Hearing This’

Iga Swiatek recently responded to Simona Halep’s ban. The Polish tennis professional and current WTA No.1 opened up about the matter and shared her thoughts about the veteran Romanian star’s situation.

Halep was handed a provisional ban for doping by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). She tested positive for the banned blood-boosting drug Roxadustat and the ITIA decided to hold her responsible for it. Recently, Swiatek, who felt confused initially, decided to weigh in on the matter.

Iga Swiatek about Halep’s doping suspension

Swiatek, who claimed the title at the US Open, during which, the traces of Roxadustat were found in Halep’s blood, said, “Well, for sure it was confusing to me because I wouldn’t expect hearing this news.”

Thereafter, she added. “Simona, from my point of view, seems like a person who always cared about being fair, and she was a great example for me.”

Both the A and B US Open samples of the two times Grand Slam champion confirmed the presence of the drug in her blood. However, fans and people associated with the Romanian are putting their trust in her claims of innocence. In fact, coach Darren Cahill, who worked with her for six years, strongly believes there is “no chance” of her knowingly taking the prohibited substance. 

Read more: ‘Suffering Sleeplessly’- WTA Number One Iga Swiatek Details How She Barely Managed to Survive at the US Open 2022

Before the ban, Halep had ended her season early because of her nose surgery. Therefore, it won’t cost her in terms of on-court time for now. However, if she is found guilty in her possible battle against the decision, she will be at a loss, as her pairing with the 23 times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams’ former coach will not bear fruit in terms of improving her on-court performances.

The perfect end for Swiatek’s season

The Pole has had a great year. She executed a monstrous 37-match win streak and marked two Grand Slam titles under her name. Also, with her victory in the San Diego Open, she secured an impressive haul of eight WTA trophies this season. Further, she has held the title of World no.1 for around 30 weeks now. Therefore, claiming the WTA Finals will be the perfect way to end this successful year. 

Watch this story: Iga Swiatek victorious moments on the WTA tour

The defending champion will start her journey in the tournament on 2nd November. She will lock horns with Russia’s number one player, Daria Kasatkina, at the group stage. This will be their sixth meeting and while Swiatek will eye her ninth title, the WTA no.8 will try to bank her second victory over the World No.1.

Do you think Swiatek can end the season on a high by clinching the WTA Finals?