"What about this now, Simona is coming back": Serena Williams' jibe towards Simona Halep doping ban dug up after appeal successful

Yesterday finally saw the verdict of Simona Halep's appeal of her doping ban, with the Romanian former World No. 1 allowed to return to tennis with immediate effect after she won her appeal with CAS. Halep had initially been found guilty of testing positive for Roxadustat at the US Open in 2022, receiving a four-year ban.

However, after Halep contested the decision and made her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, it was reduced to nine months, meaning the suspension would have been served by July 2023.

When news of Halep's impending return broke, fans dug up an old Tweet by Serena Williams seemingly reacting to Halep receiving her ban, which included a subtle dig, with the 23-time Grand Slam champion referencing the 2019 Wimbledon final, where she was denied an eighth title at Flushing Meadows after a straight sets defeat to the Romanian.

"Eight is a better number," Williams said on X in September 2023. Followers of Halep did not forget about it, with one user responding: "What about this now... Simona Halep is coming back and you are still finished."

Others called for Williams to apologise "Now what? Simona Halep deserves a public apology. What you did was shameful and this comes from someone who has the utmost respect for your achievements!" Another account posted: "Nine is even better! PS: Serena Williams it's never too late to apologise! Simona Halep you are the best."