The Star Rages: "Did Everything to Destroy Me"

World number two Iga Swiatek was banned for a month for a doping offense that could be traced to a contaminated medication. Simona Halep received four years for a similar case. This makes the Romanian furious and raises questions about how tennis hands out doping-related penalties.

» Published: November 29 2024

The Star Rages: "Did Everything to Destroy Me"
Photo: Laurent Gillieron/AP/TT

Share this article

Halep, who was acquitted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), launches a sharp attack on her Instagram account against what she believes is a disturbing inconsistency within the International Tennis Integrity Agency.

"I wonder why there is such a difference in approach and judgment? I find no answer to that question and I don't think there can be a logical answer", says Halep.

She continues:

"It can only be ill will from ITIA's side, the organization that did everything to destroy me despite the evidence. They wanted to destroy the last years of my career at any cost."

The former world number one and winner of the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019, was only allowed to start playing again in March this year after being suspended since October 2022.

The 33-year-old Romanian has fallen to 877th place in the world rankings.

"How is it possible that in identical cases that occur at roughly the same time, ITIA has completely different approaches, to my disadvantage?"

"I suffered, I suffer and I will probably always suffer from the injustice that was directed against me."

Earlier this year, Jannik Sinner, the men's world number one, tested positive for doping but avoided suspension, which was widely questioned, including by other players.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Djokovic Plans Full Grand Slam Season Next Year After US Open Exit
2 MIN READ

Djokovic Plans Full Grand Slam Season Next Year After US Open Exit

Yasin Ayari Shines Despite Sweden's Draw Against Slovenia
1 MIN READ

Yasin Ayari Shines Despite Sweden's Draw Against Slovenia

Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Third Straight Grand Slam Final
1 MIN READ

Carlos Alcaraz Reaches Third Straight Grand Slam Final

No Playing Time for Isak in World Cup Qualifier Due to High Risk
1 MIN READ

No Playing Time for Isak in World Cup Qualifier Due to High Risk

Switzerland Dominates Kosovo 4-0 in World Championship Qualifier
1 MIN READ

Switzerland Dominates Kosovo 4-0 in World Championship Qualifier

Frölunda Wins SDHL Season Opener Against Luleå 2-1
1 MIN READ

Frölunda Wins SDHL Season Opener Against Luleå 2-1

Sweden Draws 2-2 with Slovenia After Last-Minute Equalizer
3 MIN READ

Sweden Draws 2-2 with Slovenia After Last-Minute Equalizer

17-Year-Old Lea Nilsson Reaches US Open Junior Final
1 MIN READ

17-Year-Old Lea Nilsson Reaches US Open Junior Final

Football Manager Highlights Financial Boost from World Championship Qualification
1 MIN READ

Football Manager Highlights Financial Boost from World Championship Qualification

Sweden U21 Triumphs 3-0 Over Armenia in Euro 2027 Qualifier
1 MIN READ

Sweden U21 Triumphs 3-0 Over Armenia in Euro 2027 Qualifier

Lagergren Leads European Tour After Stunning 62 at The K Club
1 MIN READ

Lagergren Leads European Tour After Stunning 62 at The K Club

Kulusevski Aims for Return in 2-3 Months After Knee Surgery
1 MIN READ

Kulusevski Aims for Return in 2-3 Months After Knee Surgery

Alexander Isak Benched for World Championship Qualifier Against Slovenia
2 MIN READ

Alexander Isak Benched for World Championship Qualifier Against Slovenia

Lotta Schelin Joins Fifa Group to Combat Racism in Football
1 MIN READ

Lotta Schelin Joins Fifa Group to Combat Racism in Football

World Championship Dream Drives Footballers Elanga and Ayari
2 MIN READ

World Championship Dream Drives Footballers Elanga and Ayari

Spanish Minister Supports Potential Ban of Israel Premier Tech from Tour of Spain
2 MIN READ

Spanish Minister Supports Potential Ban of Israel Premier Tech from Tour of Spain

Elanga Comments on Isak's Liverpool Move: "It's His Choice"
2 MIN READ

Elanga Comments on Isak's Liverpool Move: "It's His Choice"

Malmö FF Nears Unexpected SM Gold in Women's Top Division
3 MIN READ

Malmö FF Nears Unexpected SM Gold in Women's Top Division

Amo HK Urges Uppvidinge for Arena Renovation to Stay in Elite League
1 MIN READ

Amo HK Urges Uppvidinge for Arena Renovation to Stay in Elite League

Skellefteå Faces Goalkeeper Crisis as Linus Söderström Out Until Year-End
2 MIN READ

Skellefteå Faces Goalkeeper Crisis as Linus Söderström Out Until Year-End