Simona Halep has finally given her verdict on how the
Jannik Sinner case was handled in comparison to her own and believes that there is a double standard at play.
Halep was immediately banned two years ago for testing positive for the substance Roxudustat. Albeit in comparison, she took a supplement with it compared to Sinner who merely was rubbed with a cream unintentionally.
But a former World No.1 like Sinner, it was a vastly different experience as Halep went through career limbo for 18 months. Since her comeback she has barely played either through lack of opportunities or injury.
She said that in her view it not only goes for Sinner but that all athletes should be treated the same and in her view hers was an ordeal in comparison to the Italian who was only confirmed as positive when he was found to bear no fault.
“I think it is clear that it was judged in a completely different way to my case. I suffered a lot during my whole process and I don't think it was fair that I was not allowed to compete for so long. I waited enormously, which I don't think is fair at all," said Halep to
AS translated from Romanian.
"I believe that all athletes should have the same judgment and be treated the same, regardless of whether they are number 1 or number 200. All I want is to leave that stage of my life behind.”
But will Halep be back this season? She hasn't played since getting injured at Trophee´ Clarins before the French Open.
"There's a good chance I'll play again this year. I hope soon. I really want to go to a competition, I miss it very much. I hope to be well, to be physically fit because morally and mentally I am ready to come back.
