Rennae Stubbs has weighed in on the controversy around Simona Halep's four year doping ban.
Almost a year after the former World No. 1 was given a provisional suspension last October, the verdict on Halep's case was finally revealed. However, it was not the news that the 31-year-old had been hoping for, as she was hit with a four-year ban due to doping violations.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that the decision was based on "The presence and use of roxadustat as evidenced in Halep's urine sample, collected on 29 August 2022 at the US Open," as well as "Use of a prohibited substance or method during 2022, based on collection and analysis of 51 blood samples provided by the player as part of the ABP programme."
Halep has since announced in a statement that she is "shocked and disappointed" by the decision and has confirmed that she will appeal the verdict.
In the aftermath of the news, players and fans alike appear to have split into those defending the player and those condemning her. However, one person in the latter group is Rennae Stubbs, a former World No. 1 in doubles.
"This is hard to read. I honestly in my heart believe her & hear it in her words," Stubbs wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Australian also called out Halep's team.
"I think her team has a lot to answer for in this scenario. As an athlete YOU are responsible but u rely HEAVILY on your teams to get it right too & on this occasion it seems some blame has to be made," she continued.
In speaking up for Halep, Stubbs echoes the words of Patrick Mouratoglou, who coached Halep for several years and who condemned the ITIA's decision, saying that he has 'no doubt' that the Romanian player is innocent.
However, some players have had a lot less sympathy. Perhaps most notably, Serena Williams - whom Stubbs worked with ahead of the American's final tournament at the 2022 US Open - threw shade at Halep on social media. Eugenie Bouchard also took a dig following the news, highlighting the extent to which this verdict has divided the tennis world.
This is hard to read. I honestly in my heart believe her & hear it in her words. I think her team has a lot to answer for in this scenario. As an athlete YOU are responsible but u rely HEAVILY on your teams to get it right too & on this occasion it seems some blame has to be made
My fight continues.
