Home
Provisionally suspended for doping on Friday by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), former world number one Simona Halep said Friday that she would “fight to the end” to prove that she had not knowingly taken a banned substance. But what is Roxadusat? Since when is it banned? What does she risk? Elements of answer.
WHY WAS SIMONA HALEP SUSPENDED?
A sample provided by the player during the US Open at the end of August showed traces of Roxadustat, said the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). Notified in writing of a violation on October 7, Halep then requested the analysis of the B sample, which confirmed the initial results, thus triggering her suspension from the circuit.
WHAT IS ROXADUSTAT?
Roxadustat is a drug that stimulates the production of red blood cells and is generally used in the treatment of anemia and kidney problems. It is classified as “EPO” in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of doping agents, and remains banned in and out of competition. Roxadustat was first reported in 2015 and the control of walker Bertrand Moulinet. In France, it is better known as “Evrenzo”.
HOW DID THE INTERESTED PARTY REACT?
She denies in block. The Romanian player, currently 9th in the world, immediately reacted on her social networks, saying that the positive test was “the biggest shock of (my) life.” “Throughout my career, the idea of cheating never crossed my mind once, because it is totally contrary to all the values with which I was educated,” she continued.
“I will fight to the end to prove that I never knowingly took a banned substance and I am sure that sooner or later the truth will come out.” On September 15, after a nose operation, she already announced on Twitter that her season was over and that she would not play again until 2023. At the end of August, the winner of the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019 was eliminated in the first round of the U.S. Open by Ukrainian Daria Snigur, despite coming from the qualifiers.
WHAT SUSPENSION CAN BE APPLIED?
During a provisional suspension, a player cannot participate or attend any event. Initially, the player has ten days from the date of notification by the ITIA to appeal the provisional suspension. Based on the World Anti-Doping Code, the former world number one now faces a suspension of up to four years. In any case, the 2018 French Open and 2019 Wimbledon winner could potentially appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Halep is the first major player caught in the anti-doping net since Maria Sharapova’s resounding suspension in 2016. The Russian star tested positive for meldonium and was eventually suspended for 15 months.
