Halep is honest about her sanction: "I don't regret anything, I would do it all again the same way"

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Former world number one Simona Halep has spoken again about the doping sanction that marked the end of her career and admitted that the favorable resolution from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was a huge personal relief. The Romanian, winner of the 2018 French Open and 2019 Wimbledon, stated that it meant a lot to her to have an independent body confirm that she had never intentionally consumed a prohibited substance.

In an interview with Eurosport, Halep revisited the whole process that began after her positive test for roxadustat in 2022. The former tennis player explained that she always knew she was innocent, and that conviction allowed her to move forward. "I was 100% sure I hadn't done anything wrong," she stated. Therefore, she decided to appeal the initial four-year ban imposed by anti-doping authorities until the CAS reduced it to nine months, considering that the positive result was due to a contaminated supplement.

Halep acknowledged that the biggest challenge was not only the suspension but also living with the uncertainty for months. "Probably the uncertainty was the most difficult," she explained, before adding that it is very hard to face such a situation when one knows they haven't acted deliberately. The Romanian also admitted that the massive media coverage made that episode even more painful, although she highlighted the role of her closest circle in maintaining mental strength.

The two-time Grand Slam champion also discussed the tennis world's reaction. According to her, she never felt the need to convince everyone because those who truly knew her never doubted her integrity. Furthermore, she claimed to have found a lot of support upon her return to the circuit, both from players and WTA staff. The most liberating moment came when the CAS made its resolution public. "It was no longer just my word; it was officially established in writing," she recalled. "That meant a lot to me," she reiterated.

During the conversation, she also reflected on the meaning of success after retiring. Halep confessed that when she was at the top of the rankings, she hardly had time to appreciate her achievements because she was always thinking about the next tournament. Now, with more perspective, she acknowledges the tremendous effort it took to remain among the world's best for years. "Today success has a much deeper meaning; today I can see more clearly the price that came with that success. There was a lot of mental exhaustion, a lot of physical strain, and throughout my career, I believe I was so focused that I didn't always allow myself to feel how tough everything really was. I regret nothing, I would do it all over again because tennis gave me incredible moments and emotions that will stay with me forever."

She also referred to the pressure that the new generations of tennis players face due to social media. In her opinion, today's players are constantly exposed, which can affect their confidence. Nonetheless, she expressed admiration for those who can cope in such an environment and reminded that "athletes are not robots," a message she wanted to extend to all fans to promote greater empathy towards those competing at the highest level.

A lesson in resilience, the greatest takeaway for Simona Halep

Beyond titles and sporting achievements, Halep believes that the sanction incident completely changed her understanding of life. "I learned that anything can happen to anyone," she confessed, although she also stated that she never lost hope. The former Romanian player concluded that the experience taught her the value of patience, self-confidence, and the importance of continuing to fight for the truth even in the most challenging moments.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Halep se sincera sobre su sanción: “No me arrepiento de nada, volvería a hacerlo todo igual”