Simona Halep has delighted her fans with a video of her returning to training after being hit with a four-year doping ban.

The former World No. 1 was provisionally suspended in October 2022 after she tested positive for the banned substance roxadustat. In 2023, she was charged with a second anti-doping violation due to irregularities in her Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).

After several delays, a tribunal was held in London over the summer. This reached a verdict last month when the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Halep had been found guilty of the two charges. The 31-year-old subsequently received the suspension which divided the tennis world.

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Halep implies determination in video

Following the verdict, Halep continued to maintain her innocence and confirmed that she would appeal the verdict.

"I take the rules that govern our sport very seriously and take pride in the fact I have never knowingly or intentionally used any prohibited substance. I refused to accept their decision of a four-year ban.

"While I am grateful to finally have an outcome following numerous unfounded delays and a feeling of living in purgatory for over a year, I am both shocked and disappointed by their decision," she said in a statement.

In the meantime, the Romanian player has returned to training, posting a video on Instagram accompanied by the song "Never Give Up" by popular singer Sia.

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Halep's fans reacted to the clip with delight, highlighting that they too believed her to be innocent.

"You will come back Simona, and show the world and the [ITF] that you are strong and amazing and never give up," wrote one.

"Simona you will be world number 1 again....this time shall pass soon ...big fan," added another.

"Awesome Simo… stand your ground as the truth will always come out in the end…. and you will be vindicated," commented a third.

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