Returning to the field after the doping scandal, Simona Halep stated that she wants to represent Romania at the Olympic Games in Paris, but she has a very difficult mission. After the withdrawal of the former WTA leader from the draw with Ukraine for the final tournament of the Billie Jean King Cup, Mihai Covaliu (president of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee) and George Cosac (head of the Romanian Tennis Federation) came with explanations.
Simona Halep “needs a waiver” to play at the 2024 Olympics, say FRT and COSR
One of the conditions that Simona should have fulfilled in order to reach Paris was to be a member of the final team for two matches in the Billie Jean King Cup in this Olympic cycle (August 10, 2020 – June 24, 2024).
George Cosac stated that the presence at the meeting with Ukraine would have been insufficient anyway and revealed that he started the steps to help Simona fulfill her dream.
“I am not surprised by this decision (Simone’s withdrawal from the Romanian team – n.r.), because it was almost impossible for her to be prepared. The time is extremely short, it needs a few good months.
His main objective is to participate in the Olympic Games, he is trying to get on his feet for the OJ. In any case, he would have needed a waiver, because he did not have two participations during an Olympic cycle. I say the odds are the same even if they don’t participate there.
We will start the steps with the help of the Romanian Olympic Committee. I already had a discussion with Mr. Covaliu and he showed interest in helping Simona. We will try to do everything in our power so that she is present at the Olympics” – George Cosac, president of the FRT, according to sport.ro.
Mihai Covaliu explained that he will do everything in his power so that Halep can represent Romania at the 2024 Olympics, and one of the options considered is the request for a wild card.
“Efforts are being made, yes. We want Simona to be in the Romanian Olympic team. Simona deserves this, especially after the extremely difficult period she went through.
I am convinced that she too would be more than happy to be able to take part in the Olympic Games and be able to take a medal for Romania. It’s the best answer that Simona can give.
Of course, this is where the discussion begins about her points, which she had and which she may or may not get back, about the position in the WTA ranking, everything will be taken into account.
Then of course we are also thinking about the request for a wild card, an invitation, for the Olympic Games” – Mihai Covaliu, president of COSR, quoted by iamsport.ro.