Simona Halep can return to tennis with immediate effect after having her ban from tennis reduced from four years to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, it has been confirmed.
Halep tested positive for the substance Roxudustat at the 2022 US Open which was found to have been consumed through collagen supplements provided to her by Patrick Mouratoglou's team, her former coach before the suspension.
The former World Number One and two time Grand Slam champion was then slapped with a further breach for irregularities in her ABP (Athlete Biological passport) and was given a four year verdict. Halep maintained her innocence throughout and continued to train while mounting an appeal.
This appeal was heard in Switzerland last month and Halep has since been waiting with the caveat that being 32, her career would likely be over if she was to serve the ban. But it has now been confirmed to be down to nine months and given her purgatory on the tour in recent years, she has already served this. As a result, she can return with immediate effect.
It will likely be confirmed in due course when Halep plans to return, but given that she has always stayed ready, it will likely be in due course. With her being off tour, she will hold a protected ranking so will potentially target the clay court season going forward.
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🚨 WOW!
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has REDUCED Simona Halep’s doping ban from 4 years to 9 months.
She can return to the WTA Tour with IMMEDIATE effect!
bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/6…