Simona Halep speaks out after CAS decision allows former No. 1 to resume tennis career

Simona Halep took to social media on Tuesday to praise the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)’s decision to shorten her doping ban from four years to nine months.

Following a February tribunal, the CAS found the former world No. 1 bore “no significant fault” for the anti-doping rule violation that resulted from her positive test for the banned substance, and threw out the second charge resulting from anomalies in her Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).

“Today marks a pivotal moment, as the tribunal has rendered its verdict, affirming my stance and bringing clarity to this chapter,” Halep wrote on her official Instagram page hours after the CAS decision was released.

“In the midst of this challenging journey, my unwavering belief in the integrity of the truth and in the principles of justice has been my beacon. Despite facing daunting accusations and formidable opposition, my spirit remained buoyant, anchored in my unwavering conviction of being a clean athlete. This ordeal has been a testament to resilience, and the triumph of truth is a bittersweet vindication that, albeit delayed, is immensely gratifying.”

Halep was initially handed a provisional suspension in October of 2022 after testing positive for roxadustat following her 2022 US Open defeat to Daria Snigur. Lengthy delays to her trial took place due to the second charge to do with her ABP anomalies, and the two-time Grand Slam champion was ultimately dealt a four-year ban by the The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) in September 2023.

Halep, who has always protested her innocence, formally appealed the decision to CAS, claiming that the presence of roxadustat in her system was due to a contamination in a supplement she had begun taking in 2022. The CAS sultimately upported Halep’s version of events and ruled that the ITIA had not provided sufficient evidence to back their accusations regarding Halep’s ABP.

Halep, who turned 32 in September, is now eligible to resume her tennis career with immediate effect, as the nine-month suspension expired, which was backdated to October 2022, ended in July 2023.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my legal team, whose steadfast faith and exceptional dedication have been instrumental in navigating through these turbulent times. Equally, my sponsors, loyal fans, and some commendable competitors have been my pillars of strength, offering unwavering support and solidarity. The overwhelming backing from so many Romanians has also fortified my resolve, enabling me to champion this cause to a rightful and honorable conclusion.

“Looking forward,” Halep concludes,” I am eager to turn this page and rejoin the tour with renewed vigor and an invigorated spirit. With love and gratitude, Simona ❤️🎾”

Halep ends her statement with the hashtag #ContaminatedWithIntegrity, and is yet to make an announcement as to when and where she plans to return to action.