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.

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

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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.

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

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