"It's as if I live every day with this pain and anxiety": Simona Halep opens up on emotional and mental toll of doping scandal
Tennis NewsFriday, 22 December 2023 at 16:00
Simona Halep will have her appeal hearing for her four year doping ban in February, but by her own admission, it has been a period that has taken its emotional and mental toll on her.
Speaking recently to French magazine, Paris Match, she opened up on her struggles stating that her day to day life has been filled with anxiety and turmoil. She said that she has barely been able to sleep during times and has been constant pain for her.
The former World No.1 said that previously stress caused her abdominal pain on the court, but that as a result of the constant burden amid testing positive for Roxudustat, she has had it constantly. But that her psychologist has helped put her head right and that she believes she is the victim over blaming herself.
Halep tested positive for the aforementioned banned substance at the 2022 US Open and has since protested to fight her innocence. It was later revealed that a member of her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou's team was behind the banned supplement being given to her and she recently said that she hasn't spoken to him since and that she will likely retire if the verdict doesn't go her way.
"I went through periods where I couldn't sleep, where I had anxiety attacks. I am known to be a very emotional player. Before matches, stress caused me very severe abdominal pain. Since I received [my doping] suspension, it’s as if I live every day with this pain and anxiety. Although today things are a little better," Halep said.
"We are still in touch, and [my psychologist] helps me stay calm and manage my anxieties. Generally speaking, talking to someone is always a good thing. It allows you to vent, to relieve yourself a little, to learn to accept, even if, in my case, it is difficult, because I am the victim of an injustice. On the other hand, I know that I have done nothing wrong and that I have nothing to reproach myself for. Seeing things this way helps me fight insomnia."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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