Halep was hinting that she might play the US Open.
Simona Halep has been automatically withdrawn from the US Open due to her ongoing doping suspension, the US Open confirmed. Halep, a former world No 1, tested positive for Roxadustat in late 2022 and she was also hit with a second anti-doping charge in May over “irregularities in her athlete biological passport.” When Halep appeared on the US Open entry list earlier this summer, some wondered if it was a sign that the two-time Grand Slam champion was set to return.
Also, Halep has been posting gym workout and tennis practice videos throughout the summer. But unfortunately for Halep, she won’t be able to compete at the US Open.
Halep had a hearing in her anti-doping case
In June, Halep had a hearing in front of an independent tribunal.
Then, Halep’s name appeared on the US Open entry list. But in late July, the ITIA confirmed the Romanian’s suspension was still on. “Good morning. I promise you that no decision has been made available to anyone yet. In the US Open player field, it is clearly marked as provisionally suspended, and therefore, if she remains suspended, she will be withdrawn.
If not, she can compete,” the ITIA said in a statement to Antena 3 CNN in late July. Meanwhile, Halep ripped the ITIA for “killing my reputation” at the start of the French Open. “Not allowing me to participate into any tournament for 8 months.
Now I know that I will have missed the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Not to mention that I will have lost all my points and my ranking. Not only they are killing my reputation, but also me as a professional player, and I don’t even talk about the consequences on my mental health.
This disrespect of the rules by the ITF (ITIA) regarding the fast hearing I am entitled to have, is so disrespectful to me that I have no more words,” Halep said in late May.