World No 1 Iga Swiatek said it was confusing and disappointing to hear Simona Halep failed a doping test. 10 days ago, the ITIA announced that Halep was being provisionally suspended after testing positive for the anti-anaemia drug Roxadustat.
After the announcement was made, many were shocked mainly because of the fact that Halep was always considered as an example of how a player should behave on and off the court. Swiatek, who is the new face of women’s tennis, admits that growing up she looked up to Halep.
“Well, for sure it was confusing to me because I wouldn’t expect hearing this news. Simona, from my point of view, seems like a person who always cared about being fair and she was a great example for me,” Swiatek said of Halep testing positive for doping, per Tennis365.
Swiatek: ‘Disappointing’ to hear the Halep news
Darren Cahill, who worked with Halep for six years, sent out a lengthy Instagram post, in which he explained how there was no chance that Halep knowingly or purposely took the prohibited substance.
Patrick Mouratoglou, who currently works with Halep, agreed with Cahill that Halep didn’t knowingly or purposely took the prohibited substance. “I don’t know how it works in terms of the system. Is she going to be tested a couple of more times or whatever? Hopefully it’s going to be more clear for fans and for us.
But it’s disappointing and she must feel really bad. From my point of view, the most important thing for me is just taking care of myself, being safe always, making my environment more safe and being careful. So we’ll do that,” Swiatek added.
Meanwhile, Swiatek is preparing for the WTA Finals. Swiatek, who has reached nine finals this year and won two Grand Slam titles, is now aiming to cap off her astonishing season with a maiden WTA Finals title.
