Novak Djokovic led PTPA says Simona Halep didn't 'really win' despite appeal victory: "Will not make up for that lost time"

After Simona Halep's reduced doping ban, the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), co-founded by Novak Djokovic, released a statement in support of the Romanian.

According to the association, which aims to independently defend the rights of tennis players, despite Halep's reduction of her 4-year ban to 9 months, they criticized that the Court of Arbitration for Sport must be reformed to ensure transparent and fair processes:

"As indicated by our principles, the PTPA staunchly supports all players' due process, appellate rights, and access to a fair and logical anti-doping system," the organization wrote.

Halep has been off the Tour for 17 months since the sanction following the 2022 US Open. Given that the ban has been reduced to 9 months, Halep can immediately return to the Tour and is likely to make a comeback in the clay season:

"The Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to reduce Simona Halep's ban from four years to nine months underscores the need for sensible reform to an unjust system that fails to protect these rights.

“Simona has already faced 17 months of a provisional suspension and loss of ranking, prize money, reputation, and other irreparable damages. Her successful appeal will not make up for that lost time,"

The organization created by Djokovic reiterated its support for Halep and reaffirmed its commitment to defending tennis players from both the ATP and the WTA:

"The PTPA has worked with Simona and her team throughout the last year, and we look forward to continuing to support them as they return to competition. We remain committed to collaborating with the ITIA and pushing for logical improvements and increased accountability to a process that continues to show its immense flaws. A more just and logical system must be implemented for the benefit of all," PTPA ended their statement.”