Simona Halep questioned the “big difference” in how doping cases are handled after world No. 2 Iga Swiatek received a one-month sentence. At the same time, authorities sidelined the Romanian for more than 18 months due to two distinct anti-doping infractions. Swiatek accepted a one-month suspension on Thursday, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), following a positive test for the prohibited drug trimetazidine (TMZ).
The ITIA, which oversees tennis’ anti-doping program, acknowledged that the Pole’s August positive test result was due to melatonin contamination. Authorities placed Halep on provisional suspension in October 2022, and after an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, they reduced his four-year sentence to nine months in March of the same year. Also read: Rafael Nadal Net Worth 2024, Prize Money, Endorsements, Cars, Houses, Properties, Charities Etc.
She adamantly denied purposefully consuming the illicit substance roxadustat and asserted that she had evidence that trace amounts of the anaemia drug entered her system from a contaminated, authorized supplement.
“I stand and ask myself, why is there such a big difference in treatment and judgement?” Simona Halep, the former world number one, stated in an Instagram post on Thursday. “I am unable to locate a rational answer, and I do not believe that one can exist.
“Despite the proof, the ITIA, the organization that has done all in its power to harm me, can only be acting maliciously… It then, it hurts now, and perhaps the injustice I experienced will hurt forever. Reuters has contacted the ITIA for comment. Halep, a former Wimbledon and French Open champion, has blasted tennis officials for taking so long to handle her case. Also read: Magda Linette Net Worth 2024, Annual Income, Endorsements, Cars, Houses, Properties, Charities, Etc.
After authorities temporarily suspended Halep in October 2022, they issued her a four-year ban in September 2023. Swiatek held the world No. 1 ranking until she failed the test. On September 12, she received a provisional suspension, which was lifted on October 4, allowing her to serve just over a week.