Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep is charged with a second doping offence

Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has been charged with a second doping offence relating to ‘irregularities in her athlete biological passport’.

Halep has been provisionally suspended since October of last year having tested positive for banned substance roxadustat at the US Open. Roxadustat stimulates production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. 

The two charges which Halep is faced with are separate from each other.  

Nicole Sapstead, Senior Director for Anti-Doping at the ITIA, said: ‘We understand that today’s announcement adds complexity to an already high-profile situation. From the outset of this process – and indeed any other at the ITIA – we have remained committed to engaging with Ms. Halep in an empathetic, efficient, and timely manner.

‘We do, of course, appreciate there is a great deal of media interest in these cases. It would be inappropriate for us to comment on specifics until the conclusion of the process, but we will continue to engage with the Sport Resolutions independent tribunal and Ms. Halep’s representatives as expeditiously as possible.’

Halep has been provisionally suspended since October having tested positive for banned substance roxadustat

Last month Halep called on tennis’s anti-doping organisation to give her the chance to clear her name.

Halep denies having taken a banned substance. She also stated that she has evidence which shows low quantities of roxadustat entered her body due to an authorised substance which was contaminated. 

Halep told Tennis Majors: ‘I didn’t want to get out and talk because it was very emotional.

‘Actually, I couldn’t handle it very well. But now I feel the need to speak out loud to my supporters, my fans, and to the public because I am sure they really want to know why it’s taking so long and I really felt the need to do that.

‘The ITF requested that the hearing on March 24th should be cancelled,’ Halep added. ‘I did not agree with that because as the rule says, a player that is provisionally suspended is entitled to get an expedited hearing. Everything takes so long.

‘I asked the ITF to lift my sanction to be able to play but they also refused it.’

In 2019 Halep secured glory at Wimbledon, while she won the French Open the previous year

Halep says she has undertaken 10 tests since her positive result, with all of them coming back negative. She now hopes to have a hearing in May but fears that may also be cancelled.

‘I believe that it’s not fair to spend eight months without even being judged by the Tribunal. Emotionally, the whole period has not been easy,’ the 31-year-old Halep said.

‘I’m not asking for special treatment. I just ask to be judged. How much longer is this going to take?’