Former World No 1 claims harassment in doping case

Simona Halep, a former world No 1, has alleged that the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has engaged in a malicious harassment campaign against her.

Halep has refuted a second round of doping charges levelled at her by the ITIA.

Former World No 1 hits back at ITIA

After purportedly finding an irregular evolution in Halep’s blood, the ITIA filed a second set of charges against her.

ALSO READ: Wimbledon lifts ban on Russian and Belarusian players

Halep also claims that independent specialists who did not agree with the ITIA’s results examined her blood samples.

“Since October 7, when I got charged by the ITIA for a suspicion of doping, I have lived the worst nightmare I have ever gone through in my life,” Halep said in a statement published to her social media accounts.

“Not only has my name been soiled in the worst possible way, but I am facing a constant determination from the ITIA for a reason that I cannot understand, to prove my guilt while I haven’t EVER even thought of taking any illicit substance.

ALSO READ: Roger Federer’s net worth gets a huge bump

“I tried two times to have the opportunity to be judged by an Independent Tribunal and the ITIA has constantly found reasons to postpone.

“Now that we have clearly established that I have been victim of a contamination, they came up with a so-called not normal evolution of my blood. Three world renowned experts that have studied my blood tests have been extremely clear that my blood is totally normal.”

ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic is the best role model in tennis

Halep wants her day in court

Halep is desperate to have her chance to prove her innocence in a tribunal.

“I feel helpless facing such harassment and a motivation on their behalf to prove me guilty of something I never did,” her statement continued. 

“Once again, all my life I have been totally against any sort of cheating. It doesn’t align with my values.

“The only thing I hope for, at this point, is to have the possibility to finally access the independent and impartial judges in a Tribunal, that will give me the chance to prove my innocence.

ALSO READ: ATP Tour to replace line judges with automatic technology

“I have full trust in justice and I look forward to finally being able to present my case at my hearing that is scheduled at the end of May, after several delays by the ITIA.

“The support of my loved ones, the tennis world and my fans have given me the courage to continue to practice every day and fight for the truth. I cannot thank you more for that. Love, Simona.”