Former World No.1,
Simona Halep has vowed to return to tennis in a confusing u-turn from recent comments even if she has to serve her full doping suspension until 2026.
Halep recently spoke to Euronews and said that she believes it will be the end of her career if her appeal in February does not come back in her favour. But speaking to Paris Match, she said her dream is very much to step back on the court again.
After losing early at the 2022 US Open, she tested positive for Roxudustat which was later confirmed to be found in collagen supplements issued to her by Patrick Mouratoglou (her coach at the time)'s team. She then faced additional charges for irregularities in her ABP (Athlete Biological Passport). But has maintained her innocence.
Speaking in the interview with Paris Match, she said she doesn't know how her body will keep over the next three years so can't rule out any sort of return to tennis and certainly won't be committing to retirement even if her ban doesn't get rescinded.
"I prefer not to consider the worst-case scenario. It would be a disaster. Especially since, if the sanction is maintained, I cannot know what will happen over the next three years, how my body will evolve," the two-time Grand Slam champion said.
"My dream is to come back, whatever my age. One thing is certain: I want to choose how my career ends and I don't want to end my playing life anywhere other than on a court. I think that, given the work I have put in over all these years, I deserve it," she added.
Also the potential of playing in Paris at the Olympic Games she admits is what is keeping her fire alive. "There is a tiny probability that I will be able to participate, so I believe in it and I will do everything for it. At 32, it’s also what helps me keep going. But I don't hold all the cards. However, whatever happens, I will be there. At worst, as a spectator, because it will be magical," she said.
