Yesterday was a huge moment in the career of Simona Halep. Provisionally suspended since last October due to failing a dope test, the former World Number 1 faced a 4-year ban for testing positive for Roxadustat and irregularities in her biological passport. In what was potentially a career-ending blow, the big decision came after she wasn’t allowed to play in the US Open recently. Additionally, the likes of Serena Williams slammed the Romanian star for the doping violation. However, Halep has found support from an unexpected angle.

With what seems to be a significant chunk of the tennis world rallying against her, the former World No. 1 has found herself cornered. But just hours ago, a toxicology expert, Professor Jean-Claude Alvarez, who analyzed Halep’s hair sample, made a huge claim on her ban. Here’s what he said.

Simona Halep offered a ray of hope

During an interview with L’Equipe, Alvarez opened up about the hair sample he tested in relation to Halep’s doping violation. He was contacted by the Romanian for the analysis of her hair sample.

Talking about the test, Alvarez said, “You?d think you were dreaming. Right now, we?re condemning an innocent woman. We?re making a mistake. Given the concentration she has in her hair, it?s not possible for her to be taking roxadustat effectively.? Further, he went on to add, “She (Simona Halep) came to the lab, I took a hair sample from her. She had a very low level, less than 0.5 picograms per milligram in her hair.”

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Despite this, Halep has received a lengthy ban which may potentially end her career. Additionally, she has received criticism from the tennis community for the doping violation. Serena Williams was one of the biggest names to slam the Romanian tennis star after the verdict was announced.

What did Serena Williams say?

The news about Halep’s 4-year ban quickly went viral on social media. Serena took to her official Twitter handle and tweeted, “8 is a better number.? It was a sarcastic jibe at Halep as Serena, who has won 7 Wimbledon titles, lost the grass Grand Slam final against Halep in 2019. It was the latter’s first Wimbledon title and Serena could’ve made it 8 Wimbledon titles if not for Halep. Thus, the resentful American legend sarcastically said that 8 was a better number.

Meanwhile, Halep has denied any wrongdoing and said that she will be appealing her doping ban. With Halep being 31 years old, time is running out for her. If she is forced to serve out her sentence, her best days will definitely be behind her.

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