In a statement, the ITIA said: “The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that Simona Halep, a 31-year-old Romanian tennis player, has been provisionally suspended under Article 7.12.1 of the 2022 Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).”
The Agency also stated that they had honored Halep’s wish to have the extra sample tested. They said:
“The sample was split into A and B samples and the subsequent analysis found that the A sample contained FG-4592 (Roxadustat), which is a prohibited substance listed in the 2022 World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List.”
“Adverse Analytical Findings for non-specified substances carry a mandatory provisional suspension.”
“The player exercised their right to request that the B sample was analyzed, which confirmed the finding in the A sample. While provisionally suspended, the player is ineligible to compete in or attend any sanctioned tennis events organized by the governing bodies of the sport.”
Halep addressed the suspension with her statement.
“Today begins the hardest match of my life: a fight for truth,” she wrote. “I have been notified that I have tested positive for a substance called Roxadustat in an extremely low quantity.”
Halep tested positive for the substance Roxadustat. It has the effect of creating more erythropoietin in the body, which has been known to generate more red blood cells and generate more stamina.
Currently ranked No.9, Halep said that she had never considered cheating because of her values. She also added that the news was “the biggest shock of her life.”
Halep faces a ban of up to four years. Her case is going to be handled by the tennis authorities. During her suspension, she will not be allowed to compete or attend any sanctioned events.