Mouratoglou doubles down on defending Halep during CNN interview: "The treatment she received is not normal and fair, she's a victim"
WTAWednesday, 13 September 2023 at 23:00
Patrick
Mouratoglou came to the defense of Simona Halep on CNN after the verdict was
handed down, suspending her for four years due to doping allegations.
The French
coach began working with the former world No. 1 in early 2022 following a
series of injuries that had kept Halep away from the top spots in the WTA
Ranking. However, under Mouratoglou's guidance, the Romanian player made a
remarkable comeback, reaching as high as world No. 5 and securing the Canadian
Open title along with consistent strong performances.
Read also
In addition
to her success, Halep also reached the semifinals of the 2022 Wimbledon,
although these achievements did not contribute points to her ranking.
Mouratoglou has been one of the staunch supporters of Halep since the onset of
the doping controversy that surfaced during the previous year's US Open.
"I've
been with Simona Halep through the whole process," Patrick Mouratoglou
said, adding, "And the decision is completely for me impossible to
understand.""And also the way she has been treated by the ITIA, all
the ways through the process," he continued.
"So
unfairly it's shocking on all levels during that whole year. The treatment she
has received is not normal and fair, and unacceptable for me, she's a
victim."
"Simona
Halep, she has been contaminated by a product that was supposed to be
clean," former Serena Williams said.
"So she's literally a victim when
you're a victim and you are entering into this process with the ITIA. It's
horrible."
"When
you are provisionally suspended, which was a case, you are, and this is written
in the rules," Mouratoglou added.
"You are entitled to a quick
hearing, so this is, this is a parody for me. It is a parody of justice."
Mouratoglou
began working with Rune following the provisional suspension of the two-time
Grand Slam champion. Recently, it was announced that they have parted ways, and
it remains uncertain whether he will commence coaching another tennis player in
the near future.
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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