The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed that Simona Halep’s doping ban appeal was concluded and that the next step is reaching the verdict.
From Wednesday to Friday, former world No. 1 Halep had her hearing in Lausanne, where she presented her defense in an attempt to clear her name after receiving a four-year doping ban. Now, two-time Grand Slam champion Halep has to wait for the decision in her appeal case and see if she will be allowed to return to pro tennis before 2026 October.
In a statement, the CAS noted that there’s no timetable for the decision to be made in the Halep appeal case. But considering previous cases that went to the CAS, Halep will likely have to wait for a month or a few months to learn about the top sports court’s decision.
“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing in the arbitration procedures CAS 2023/A/10025 Simona Halep v. International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and CAS 2023/A/10227 International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) v. Simona Halep concluded at 3:30pm today with the final pleadings of the parties, as scheduled,” the CAS said in a statement.
“The parties have been informed that the CAS Panel in charge of the matter will now deliberate and prepare the Arbitral Award containing its decision and grounds. No particular date was announced with respect to the notification of the final decision.”
What Halep said after her hearing was concluded?
After leaving the court on Wednesday and Thursday, Halep didn’t speak with the media because she wasn’t allowed to reveal any details. On Friday, Halep briefly addressed the media, underlining that she wasn’t allowed to reveal any details from the court but highlighted that she was “confident” everything would go well for her.
“I can’t tell you absolutely anything about what happened at the hearing, but I can say that this hearing gave me the chance to present my defense,” Halep said after her hearing was concluded.
“I want to tell you that my confidence is intact regarding the truth. I’m very confident that the truth will come out and it will be proven that I never intended to dope and I never did.”
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