Former world No. 1 Simona Halep (34) has opened up about her doping struggle in an emotional interview with Eurosport, more than a year after her retirement from tennis. Halep was found to have tested positive for Roxadustat, leading to a four-year suspension from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) effective October 7, 2022. In March 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne reduced her suspension to nine months, allowing her to return to the circuit.

Halep, who has been a leading figure in women's tennis, shared her harrowing experience during the interview, detailing the challenges she faced in proving her innocence.

Despite being in the public eye and often criticized by fellow tennis players and fans alike, Halep remained determined. “I hope people remember that during this difficult period in my life, I continued to fight and never gave up,” she stated. “I was 100% convinced that I had done nothing wrong, and I had the courage and determination to see it through, overcoming numerous obstacles and very difficult moments.”

Halep emphasized her lifelong respect for the sport and the relief she felt when an independent tribunal confirmed her innocence. “The greatest relief for me was when an independent tribunal confirmed that I did not take anything intentionally,” she said. “At that moment, it was not just my word but something officially in writing.”

Since her suspension was lifted, Halep has competed in five tournaments on invitation basis.