Simona Halep criticises further delay to her doping charge: “I am entitled to a quick hearing. Acting this way is contrary to my rights”

A new twist in the case between Simona Halep and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). Last Friday, the former world No 1 reacted to a new ITIA investigation into irregularities in her biological passport, claiming that her blood was “normal” and that she was the victim of a biased procedure.

On Monday evening, the Romanian published a statement on her social networks in which she said she was “extremely shocked and disappointed by the attitude of the ITIA”, which she said was seeking to further delay her hearing.

Halep: “The ITIA has repeatedly sought to delay it (my hearing)”

While Nicole Sapstead, Senior Director of Anti-Doping at the ITIA, said in a statement on Friday that she was committed to “engaging with Ms Halep in an empathetic, effective and timely manner”, Halep said that the agency was, at the same time, requesting a postponement of her hearing, for the third time.

I am entitled to a quick hearing. Acting this way is contrary to my rights
Social media statement, Simona Halep, May 22

“The ITIA publicly states one thing while privately doing another,” the 31-year-old announced on Twitter. “I have repeatedly asked for my hearing and the ITIA has repeatedly sought to delay it. When is it going to stop? I ask the question again. I am entitled to a quick hearing. Acting this way is contrary to my rights.”

ITIA say delay is to enable both charges to be heard together

Suspended since October 2022 after testing positive for Roxadustat, Halep proclaimed her innocence last month, even claiming to have evidence that she was a victim of contamination. The Romanian is still waiting to have a hearing by an independent jury, having expected it to happen before the end of this month.

The ITIA told Tennis Majors the latest delay was to enable Halep to address both charges at the same hearing.

We have proposed that both charges be heard at the same time to avoid multiple hearings.
ITIA spokesperson

“We have proposed that both charges are heard together to avoid multiple hearings,” a spokesperson for the ITIA said. “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.” 

Finally, the ITIA said that Simona Halep also had the opportunity “to make submissions to the tribunal” and that the tribunal would make the final decision on whether to postpone Halep’s hearing.

You might also like this

Halep faces additional anti-doping charge related to biological passport and complains about “harassment”

tennis majors

“I am facing a constant determination from the ITIA for a reason that I cannot understand” – Simona Halep’s full statement

tennis majors

Mouratoglou is “extremely shocked” by the way Halep’s case has been conducted by the ITIA

tennis majors