‘I would never question her integrity’ – WTA chief Steve Simon backs Simona Halep in doping saga

Simona Halep can now count WTA CEO Steve Simon as one of those that believes she would not have deliberately taken a banned substance. 

The former world number one is currently serving a provisional suspension from the sport after testing positive for Roxadustat at the US Open. That means she is barred from attending or competing in any events sanctioned by tennis’ governing bodies until the issue is resolved.

“I believe her that she didn’t intentionally do something here,” Simon told the Associated Press. “That being said, I do believe very strongly in our anti-doping program, and I think it’s a good one. And our players support it, too. And if you ask Simona, she supports it.

“I’m very confident that as we go through the process, the truth is going to come out, and we will deal with it accordingly. But I have a lot of sympathy for Simona, because I would never question her integrity.”

Simon joins former coach of Simona Halep Darren Cahill, seven-time Slam champion Mats Wilander, and current coach Patrick Mouratoglou in backing the two-time Major champion.

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