Simona Halep set to return to competitive tennis at Miami Open following doping suspension
DOHA: Simona Halep, former Wimbledon and French Open champion, is gearing up for her comeback to competitive tennis this week at the Miami Open after successfully appealing her doping suspension. Halep, whose four-year ban was reduced to nine months by the top court for global sport, accepted a wild card entry into the tournament. She is scheduled to face Paula Badosa of Spain in her first match on Tuesday.
The Romanian tennis star’s return comes after her last competitive appearance at the 2022 U.S. Open, where she suffered a first-round upset. Halep’s suspension stemmed from a positive test for roxadustat, a banned substance known for stimulating red blood cell production, during the same tournament. However, she vehemently denied the allegations against her.
Awaiting the winner of Halep’s match against Badosa is world number two Aryna Sabalenka, adding further anticipation to Halep’s comeback. With Halep’s return, the Miami Open promises to be an eventful tournament, especially with Indian Wells champion Iga Swiatek eyeing the elusive Sunshine Double.(Reuters)
