"If you take away these opportunities for a young woman, it’s unfair,” Boris Becker backs Halep to play at Olympic Games
WTA
Boris
Becker expressed his support for Simona Halep and criticized the ‘double
punishment’ against the Romanian, stating that she should be allowed to play in
the Olympic Games. The 32-year-old tennis player tested positive for the drug
Roxadustat at the 2022 US Open, resulting in a suspension that lasted up to
four years.
However, it
has not been easy for Halep to return, as injuries have affected her
consistency. She was injured at the WTA 125 in Paris and has struggled to
obtain wild cards. Becker commented that the WTA should find a way for Halep to
compete.
Halep wins doping case
Halep’s
appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was accepted, and her
sentence was reduced to nine months, as reported by CAS in March of this year:
“The CAS panel has unanimously determined that the four-year period of
ineligibility imposed by the ITF (International Tennis Federation) independent
tribunal is to be reduced to a period of ineligibility of nine months starting
on October 7, 2022, which period expired on July 6, 2023.”
The
Romanian has maintained her innocence since the sanction was made public and
released a statement upon confirmation of her immediate return to the WTA Tour:
“Throughout this long and difficult process, I have maintained my belief that
the truth would eventually come out, and that a just decision would be reached
because I am and always have been a clean athlete,” Halep said.
“My faith
in the process was tested by the scandalous accusations that were leveled
against me, and by the seemingly unlimited resources that were aligned against
me. But in the end, the truth prevailed, even if it took much longer than I
wish it had.”
Halep won her first Grand Slam title at 2018 French Open. She defeated Sloane Stephens 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
“I would
like to thank my lawyers who have stood with me and believed in me from the
beginning; and more importantly, I want to thank my sponsors, my fans, and my
competitors who stuck with me throughout this long and trying process. I cannot
wait to return to the tour,” the former world No. 1 added. “I would like to
particularly thank my fellow Romanians who believed unconditionally and who
motivated me to take this battle to a successful and legitimate outcome.”
Halep
returned after 560 days at the Miami Open after receiving a wild card. She was
defeated by Paula Badosa (6-1, 4-6, 3-6) and showed a good level of tennis to
put the Spaniard under pressure. However, she later declined a wild card for
the Madrid Open and ended up playing a WTA 125 in Paris, where she retired in
the first round due to injury in the second set.
The
Romanian is currently ranked world No. 1136 and depends on tournament
invitations to play on major stages. Despite being the French Open champion in
2018 (and finalist in 2014 and 2017), she did not receive an invitation from
the organizers.
Boris Becker’s support
The former
German tennis player came to Simona Halep’s defense: “She was penalized twice,”
according to Becker. “She was penalized because she couldn’t play and penalized
because she is not cleared of all charges. So it’s a double whammy."
“The WTA
has to find a way that lets Halep play. She cannot be treated like this. She is
not 21 anymore. The longer you wait for these decisions, big opportunities for
her will go by the wayside,” the former world No. 1 added. “If she is fit, clay
is her best surface and now she is missing the French Open. At Roland Garros,
she always has a shot.
“The
Olympics are on clay this year and if you take away these opportunities for a
young woman, it’s unfair,” he added. “So I think authorities have to realize
that and give her a fair shot at coming back.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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