Simona Halep, the former world number one in tennis, has accused the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) of engaging in contradictory actions, publicly stating one thing while privately doing another.
Halep’s hearing, regarding a second doping offense related to “irregularities” in her biological passport, has faced yet another request for a delay from the ITIA.
The Romanian player, who has been under suspension since October following a positive test for a banned substance at the US Open, is now confronted with a separate charge in addition to the one she is already suspended for.
Expressing her frustration, Halep took to Twitter to release a statement addressing the ongoing delays caused by the ITIA’s request for yet another extension.
Halep, who denies the charges, said she was “extremely shocked and disappointed by the ITIA’s attitude”.
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“While the ITIA via their representative Nicole Sapstead was publicly stating three days ago tha t the ITIA ‘has remained committed to engaging Mrs Halep in an empathetic, efficient and timely manner’, they were at the same time officially requesting the tribunal to delay my hearing… for the third time,” Halep said.
“The ITIA publicly states one thing while privately doing another, I have repeatedly asked for my hearing and the ITIA has repeatedly sought to delay it.
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“When is it going to stop? I ask the question once again. I am entitled to a quick hearing. Acting this way is contrary to my rights.”
Halep’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, said the ITIA had played a “double game” from “day one”.
An ITIA spokesperson said: “We have proposed that both charges are heard together to avoid multiple hearings. To do this, we wish to provide all parties (including the independent tribunal) sufficient time to consider the significant materials associated with the latest charge.
“Ultimately it is a decision for the independent tribunal. Ms Halep also has the opportunity to make her representations to them.”
Halep’s suspension last year was imposed after she tested positive for roxadustat, an anti-anemia drug which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body. She denies knowingly taking the banned substance.
The investigations into failed tests by the ITIA are often complex, particularly when a player denies taking a substance knowingly.
It is not uncommon for cases to take months to be resolved.
In such cases, a player can produce evidence to disprove or mitigate the failed test. This would bring further investigation and testing by the ITIA, leading to the process being further extended.