Simona Halep shared an emotional message following another delay in the doping case decision.
The former world No. 1 has now been a year since her last match on the WTA tour, which ended in defeat to Daria Snigur in the first round of the 2022 US Open. The Romanian was suspended in October of that year after testing positive for the substance roxadustat in a doping control.
The London District Court is responsible for deliberating on Halep's case, and she has repeatedly denied any intentional use of prohibited substances and vowed never to do so.
The 2-time Grand Slam champion took to social media to express her frustration over another delay in the case, which has prevented her from competing in tournaments:
"Today I found out that the decision in my case, which was expected this week, will be further delayed," she wrote on her Instagram story. "This is terribly disappointing, as I have consistently said that all I ask for is to be judged," she said.
"It is hard to explain the emotional toll that all of these delays have had and continue to have on me," added Simona Halep.
Fighter attitude and I’m loving it! What an example for us all to keep going, no matter the headwinds. Bravo @Simona_Halep for your Champion attitude! 💫 #MentalHealthMatters @WTA @ITFTennis @itia_tennis “Nu mor caii, când vor câinii” that’s how we were raised 😉 💪
"When life gives you a hundred reasons to break down and cry, show life that you have a million reasons to smile and laugh," she wrote on her Instagram story.
Halep remained in the top-10 between 2014 and 2021 when injuries prevented her from competing for several months, causing her to lose positions in the rankings.
However, in 2022, she made a comeback, winning her ninth WTA 1000 title at the Canadian Open, which brought her back to world No. 6. She appeared to be a strong contender for major tournaments once again.
Just weeks away from turning 32 years old, Halep's return to the upper echelons of the WTA ranking was thwarted due to the suspension, and there remains uncertainty about when we might see the 2-time Grand Slam champion back in action.
ICYMI, @Simona_Halep chased down this Radwanska drop shot to earn our 2018 WTA Shot of the Year presented by @Cambridge_FX!
