Former World No.1 Martina Navratilova has spoken out in defense of
Simona Halep, following the Romanian's recent four-year doping ban.
Halep was handed a four-year doping ban by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) earlier this month, after testing positive for Roxadustat (a banned substance) at the US Open last year. The agency announced Halep had been found guilty by an investigative tribunal, and handed out a four-year ban from tennis activities as punishment.
Navratilova gives Halep the benefit of the doubt
Upon hearing the verdict, several players and coaches gave their opinion on the issue. Navratilova chimed out on the decision, opting to give Halep the benefit of the doubt.
"I always wanted to give benefit of the doubt to the athlete. The drug thing stinks as it is the only court where you are judged guilty until you can prove your innocence. As an athlete- even if legal- with the side effects from this drug I can’t see anyone wanting to to," she said in a post on X.
