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Simona Halep got here again to play a WTA tour after a 12 months and a half out as a result of doping ban, which has saved her sidelined since August 2022 till the attraction she gained on the CAS.
The Romanian obtained a wild card for the Miami Open, the place she was defeated in three units by Paula Badosa within the first spherical.
Simona returned to play just a few weeks after the choice of the Worldwide Sports activities Court docket of Lausanne, which overturned the primary occasion sentence which offered for a four-year suspension as a result of constructive check for Roxadustat, in a verify carried out in the summertime of 2022.
“Being again on the courtroom was very nice. I had constructive feelings. Seeing the viewers supporting me like that gave me quite a lot of power. My tennis degree was fairly good. Sudden, I feel. I am pleased with my sport. I might classify this present day as a special occasion,” mentioned Simona on the press convention.
“Truthfully, contemplating the time I had this present day will stay a particular reminiscence for me. I’ve achieved many outcomes up to now, nice outcomes. However right here it’s one thing greater than tennis, it’s one thing private,” she added.
“4 years is a very long time. I am not that younger anymore. 4 years would most likely have been the tip of my profession. But it surely did not occur, so I am blissful to be right here as we speak,” mentioned Simona.
On the press convention she was instructed the phrases of Caroline Wozniacki who mentioned: “I do not suppose an athlete returning after a suspension for doping ought to profit from a wild card.”
Halep answered: “I did not do something unsuitable. I did not dope, I did not cheat and the sentence proves that the positivity is because of contamination. My dad and mom have all the time taught me that in the end good prevails. From day one I believed a hundred percent in justice, hoping that the reality would come out. I knew I used to be clear and I did not do something unsuitable.”
Paula Badosa praises Simona Halep
Within the press convention of her opponent, Paula Badosa talked in regards to the match she gained in opposition to the Romanian.
“Contemplating the time spent out for Simona, and also you too, ups and downs with accidents, when the draw was over and also you noticed it was your first spherical, what went by your thoughts?” requested a journalist to the attractive and really robust Spaniard.
“I did not prefer it in any respect. I imply, I will be sincere. Even when Simona has been 10 years with out competing, she’s nonetheless Simona. She’s an important participant. She’s gained so many titles. I respect her a lot. I imply, as we speak I am I used to be impressed. I feel he shall be again on the high quickly. Gamers like this you may by no means doubt them as a result of they had been nice champions,” defined Badosa.
Paula Badosa says she respects Simona Halep and he or she’ll be again on the high very quickly
“Contemplating the time away that Simona has had, and also you additionally going up and down with accidents, when the draw was performed and also you noticed that was your first spherical, what crossed your thoughts?”
Paula: “I… pic.twitter.com/IXUFA4IHh5
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 20, 2024