A Russian player has been suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia) for failure to comply with anti-doping regulations.
The player, who has been named 24-year-old Vladislav Ivanov in a press release by the Itia on Friday, was deemed to have "intentionally" refused to undertake an anti-doping test during a $15,000 Itf tournament in Morocco in September 2022.
Ivanov was requested to provide an in-competition urine sample but left the tournament venue without complying. Although the player returned to provide the sample, he was charged with flouting anti-doping regulations under Article 2.3 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (Tadp).
His refusal to take an anti-doping test is a rare situation, as stated by the CEO of the Itia, Karen Moorhouse, who urged players to work with anti-doping officials and abide by protocols to avoid severe sanctions.
"A player refusing to undertake a test is rare, but this sends a powerful message to any...
The player, who has been named 24-year-old Vladislav Ivanov in a press release by the Itia on Friday, was deemed to have "intentionally" refused to undertake an anti-doping test during a $15,000 Itf tournament in Morocco in September 2022.
Ivanov was requested to provide an in-competition urine sample but left the tournament venue without complying. Although the player returned to provide the sample, he was charged with flouting anti-doping regulations under Article 2.3 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (Tadp).
His refusal to take an anti-doping test is a rare situation, as stated by the CEO of the Itia, Karen Moorhouse, who urged players to work with anti-doping officials and abide by protocols to avoid severe sanctions.
"A player refusing to undertake a test is rare, but this sends a powerful message to any...
- 1/6/2024
- Tennis-Infinity
Many tennis players succeed in their junior days and win a Grand Slam in that category, but does it guarantee success on the main Tour?
Forming any rapid conclusions based on junior Grand Slam results is risky business. Of the active Wta players who have won a junior Grand Slam until 2020, only six of them - from a list of 47 players - have won a major on the main tour.
Almost half of these 47 players achieved a career-best ranking of World No. 20 or higher. From the same data, it is striking that most players who won one of Roland Garros or Wimbledon went on to scale even greater heights at the Wta level.
About 16 players who won either of those tournaments broke the Top 20 at some point. This includes players like Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep, Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff, Paula Badosa, Belinda Bencic, and Elina Svitolina.
While most of them...
Forming any rapid conclusions based on junior Grand Slam results is risky business. Of the active Wta players who have won a junior Grand Slam until 2020, only six of them - from a list of 47 players - have won a major on the main tour.
Almost half of these 47 players achieved a career-best ranking of World No. 20 or higher. From the same data, it is striking that most players who won one of Roland Garros or Wimbledon went on to scale even greater heights at the Wta level.
About 16 players who won either of those tournaments broke the Top 20 at some point. This includes players like Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep, Ons Jabeur, Coco Gauff, Paula Badosa, Belinda Bencic, and Elina Svitolina.
While most of them...
- 12/27/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
British tennis player Tara Moore has been cleared of any wrongdoing in an alleged case of doping following a harrowing 19 months of investigations.
Moore, primarily a doubles specialist these days and the highest-ranked Briton in doubles on the Wta Tour during her provisional suspension from tennis in April 2022, is now free to resume her career after a long-awaited verdict.
While competing at a Tour-level tournament in Colombia last year, Moore provided samples to doping officials that tested positive for nandrolone metabolites and boldenone, which are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).
On learning of her suspension, Moore vowed to prove she was a "clean athlete" and embarked on protesting her innocence. After a near two-year period of analysis, the independent tribunal found that the British player had eaten contaminated meat, the direct source of the banned substances.
In its verdict, the panel asserted that Moore "bore no fault or negligence,...
Moore, primarily a doubles specialist these days and the highest-ranked Briton in doubles on the Wta Tour during her provisional suspension from tennis in April 2022, is now free to resume her career after a long-awaited verdict.
While competing at a Tour-level tournament in Colombia last year, Moore provided samples to doping officials that tested positive for nandrolone metabolites and boldenone, which are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).
On learning of her suspension, Moore vowed to prove she was a "clean athlete" and embarked on protesting her innocence. After a near two-year period of analysis, the independent tribunal found that the British player had eaten contaminated meat, the direct source of the banned substances.
In its verdict, the panel asserted that Moore "bore no fault or negligence,...
- 12/25/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep admits it would be a "disaster" if her doping ban is upheld for the entire four-year period, which many believe could jeopardize her professional career.
Halep was sanctioned by the Itia following conclusive evidence by an independent tribunal in September for two counts of anti-doping rule violations deemed "intentional" and was banned from competing on the tennis circuit for up to four years.
The Romanian star tested positive for the prohibited doping agent Roxadustat - known for increasing red blood cell production - at the 2022 US Open and was found to have irregularities on her athlete's biological passport after analysis of 51 blood samples.
A crestfallen Halep has continually pleaded her innocence from the confines of the court of law, on media houses, and even on her social media platform. Several of her fellow pros have backed her, and pundits like Chris Evert believe she is innocent.
Halep will...
Halep was sanctioned by the Itia following conclusive evidence by an independent tribunal in September for two counts of anti-doping rule violations deemed "intentional" and was banned from competing on the tennis circuit for up to four years.
The Romanian star tested positive for the prohibited doping agent Roxadustat - known for increasing red blood cell production - at the 2022 US Open and was found to have irregularities on her athlete's biological passport after analysis of 51 blood samples.
A crestfallen Halep has continually pleaded her innocence from the confines of the court of law, on media houses, and even on her social media platform. Several of her fellow pros have backed her, and pundits like Chris Evert believe she is innocent.
Halep will...
- 12/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep dreams of a return to tennis before the 2024 Olympics, but unfortunately, it's out of her control.
Halep is very confident that she will return to a tennis court again because she thinks she didn't do anything wrong. Despite that, Halep is officially banned from competing in the sport due to a positive doping sample after the 2022 US Open.
Since then, the Romanian has been on a mission to prove her innocence and that journey will take her to Cas in 2024. The court is the only one that can lift her ban, and she hopes it happens before the 2024 Olympics.
Being able to return is obviously the dream and goal as it hangs in the balance, but happening before the 2024 Olympics in Paris would be the dream. She loves the city; she won the Roland Garros, and combining all of that with the prestige of the Olympics is a dream.
Halep is very confident that she will return to a tennis court again because she thinks she didn't do anything wrong. Despite that, Halep is officially banned from competing in the sport due to a positive doping sample after the 2022 US Open.
Since then, the Romanian has been on a mission to prove her innocence and that journey will take her to Cas in 2024. The court is the only one that can lift her ban, and she hopes it happens before the 2024 Olympics.
Being able to return is obviously the dream and goal as it hangs in the balance, but happening before the 2024 Olympics in Paris would be the dream. She loves the city; she won the Roland Garros, and combining all of that with the prestige of the Olympics is a dream.
- 12/19/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep is fighting to prove her innocence after getting a four-year ban; however, if she fails in that regard, she'll end her career.
Halep is currently away from the tennis courts because of a 4-year ban that was handed to her earlier this year. The Romanian was found guilty of breaching two separate anti-doping rules, resulting in a four-year ban.
It's not a final ruling as she has a chance to prove her innocence in Cas; however, it's far from guaranteed that she will. There is a chance that her ban stands, and in that case, Halep would end her career, which she confirmed in a recent interview with Euronews.
That's hardly shocking when you take all things into consideration like her age and the amount of time she would miss.
I think so, yeah, because four years is going to be a lot, for my age at least.
Halep is currently away from the tennis courts because of a 4-year ban that was handed to her earlier this year. The Romanian was found guilty of breaching two separate anti-doping rules, resulting in a four-year ban.
It's not a final ruling as she has a chance to prove her innocence in Cas; however, it's far from guaranteed that she will. There is a chance that her ban stands, and in that case, Halep would end her career, which she confirmed in a recent interview with Euronews.
That's hardly shocking when you take all things into consideration like her age and the amount of time she would miss.
I think so, yeah, because four years is going to be a lot, for my age at least.
- 12/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep is currently away from tennis due to the ban imposed on her, but she's confident about returning to the sport.
She has only one way to do so: prove her innocence at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). She's been handed a heavy ban after she breached two anti-doping rules, but there is a chance that Cas will reach a different conclusion.
Halep has been making the media rounds lately to bring some attention to her case, and in an interview with Euronews, Halep talked about the case and how she breached the anti-doping rules. According to the Romanian, it's a clear contamination case, not intentional doping.
Well, yeah, they said that. But it's very clear that it was a contamination. Three days before the positive urine test, I was negative in blood and urine. So I've been told at the beginning that it's a very, it's...
She has only one way to do so: prove her innocence at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). She's been handed a heavy ban after she breached two anti-doping rules, but there is a chance that Cas will reach a different conclusion.
Halep has been making the media rounds lately to bring some attention to her case, and in an interview with Euronews, Halep talked about the case and how she breached the anti-doping rules. According to the Romanian, it's a clear contamination case, not intentional doping.
Well, yeah, they said that. But it's very clear that it was a contamination. Three days before the positive urine test, I was negative in blood and urine. So I've been told at the beginning that it's a very, it's...
- 12/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Coco Gauff won a Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, and according to Patrick Mouratoglou that will give her enough confidence to fight for more in 2024.
The young American is still in her teenage years, but it's been already her fifth season on the Wta Tour. She'll soon surpass many of her colleagues in experience, and that will be helpful for her in the future.
She now has an experience of winning a Grand Slam, and that experience will motivate her and give her extra confidence not just in her game but also in her belief that she can win Grand Slams, according to Patrick Mouratoglou, who spoke to Eurosport.
The French coach knows the teenager well, as she trained in his academy early in her career, and that's why he backs her for more success, having worked with Gauff.
"You have Coco, being now a Grand Slam winner,...
The young American is still in her teenage years, but it's been already her fifth season on the Wta Tour. She'll soon surpass many of her colleagues in experience, and that will be helpful for her in the future.
She now has an experience of winning a Grand Slam, and that experience will motivate her and give her extra confidence not just in her game but also in her belief that she can win Grand Slams, according to Patrick Mouratoglou, who spoke to Eurosport.
The French coach knows the teenager well, as she trained in his academy early in her career, and that's why he backs her for more success, having worked with Gauff.
"You have Coco, being now a Grand Slam winner,...
- 12/17/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep's doping saga has been one of the major talking points in 2023, and it is set to dominate the tennis pages once again in the early part of next year.
The Romanian has received the backing of former Wta No. 1 Chris Evert, who was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of ovarian cancer and has announced her leave of absence from next month's Australian Open coverage on ESPN to focus on treatment.
But Evert didn't stop to show her allegiance and public support for Halep, who was banned from playing professional tennis for up to four years for doping. Halep's year-long verdict was determined in September when an independent tribunal concluded there was "illicit blood manipulation."
"Simona Halep appeal set for February. I, for one, believe she’s innocent. Yes, she had roxadustat in her system, but she handed her whole life over to her coach and his team,...
The Romanian has received the backing of former Wta No. 1 Chris Evert, who was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of ovarian cancer and has announced her leave of absence from next month's Australian Open coverage on ESPN to focus on treatment.
But Evert didn't stop to show her allegiance and public support for Halep, who was banned from playing professional tennis for up to four years for doping. Halep's year-long verdict was determined in September when an independent tribunal concluded there was "illicit blood manipulation."
"Simona Halep appeal set for February. I, for one, believe she’s innocent. Yes, she had roxadustat in her system, but she handed her whole life over to her coach and his team,...
- 12/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Patrick Mouratoglou advised Emma Raducanu to stick with one coach and believe their plan rather than keep changing coaches regularly.
Throughout her still short tennis career, Raducanu built a reputation for changing coaches regularly. It's an interesting approach, which the player defended, saying it's something she's done since early tennis years.
However, many coaches don't support this approach, even claiming that it may be hurting the player and preventing her from progressing, which technically happened since Raducanu won the 2021 US Open.
But the Brit's lack of success can also be attributed to the injuries that she had to deal with, rather than changing coaches, and only time will tell whether this approach is the correct one for her.
Renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou spoke to SkySports about Raducanu, saying that the former world no. 10 on the Wt ATour needs to learn to trust one coach and their project.
"I understand it's...
Throughout her still short tennis career, Raducanu built a reputation for changing coaches regularly. It's an interesting approach, which the player defended, saying it's something she's done since early tennis years.
However, many coaches don't support this approach, even claiming that it may be hurting the player and preventing her from progressing, which technically happened since Raducanu won the 2021 US Open.
But the Brit's lack of success can also be attributed to the injuries that she had to deal with, rather than changing coaches, and only time will tell whether this approach is the correct one for her.
Renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou spoke to SkySports about Raducanu, saying that the former world no. 10 on the Wt ATour needs to learn to trust one coach and their project.
"I understand it's...
- 12/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep is still attempting to clear her name and the Romanian recently sat down for an interview to talk about the latest developments.
In September this year, the former world no. 1 was suspended for four years, but she has since challenged the decision and is now set to appear at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
However, the development of the case has been a real rollercoaster and the most shocking twist came when her former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou admitted his guilt in the case.
Halep recently sat down with EuroNews, and the former Wta's world no. 1 detailed the "catastrophic" ban, which would likely saw her end her career, as the 32-year-old wouldn't have many chances to come back, and she's aware of that.
"Four years, it's going to be a lot, for my age, at least, and for an athlete that has done 25 years every day this thing,...
In September this year, the former world no. 1 was suspended for four years, but she has since challenged the decision and is now set to appear at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
However, the development of the case has been a real rollercoaster and the most shocking twist came when her former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou admitted his guilt in the case.
Halep recently sat down with EuroNews, and the former Wta's world no. 1 detailed the "catastrophic" ban, which would likely saw her end her career, as the 32-year-old wouldn't have many chances to come back, and she's aware of that.
"Four years, it's going to be a lot, for my age, at least, and for an athlete that has done 25 years every day this thing,...
- 12/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Aryna Sabalenka was named the women's Itf World Champion for the 2023 season, but some fans were surprised that it wasn't world no. 1 on the Wta Tour, Iga Swiatek.
The 25-year-old had the best season of her career, and she was recognized for her efforts. However, the question is obvious, why was Sabalenka named the women's Itf World Champion if she didn't finish the year as world no. 1?
The first important fact to mention is that the year-end world no. 1 does not receive the Itf World Champion award every time. In the world of tennis, the Women's Tennis Association (Wta), or Association of Tennis Professionals (Atp), takes care of the tournaments from the 1000 to 250 category.
However, it's another governing body, the International Tennis Federation (Itf), that takes care of the Grand Slam tournaments, meaning those are important when it comes to their awards, and that was a factor this year.
While Sabalenka won one major,...
The 25-year-old had the best season of her career, and she was recognized for her efforts. However, the question is obvious, why was Sabalenka named the women's Itf World Champion if she didn't finish the year as world no. 1?
The first important fact to mention is that the year-end world no. 1 does not receive the Itf World Champion award every time. In the world of tennis, the Women's Tennis Association (Wta), or Association of Tennis Professionals (Atp), takes care of the tournaments from the 1000 to 250 category.
However, it's another governing body, the International Tennis Federation (Itf), that takes care of the Grand Slam tournaments, meaning those are important when it comes to their awards, and that was a factor this year.
While Sabalenka won one major,...
- 12/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, the two central pillars in Jannik Sinner's coaching team, have won the 2023 Atp Coach of the Year Award.
The pair are credited and recognized for their immense contribution to turning Sinner into an elite athlete. Last season, the Italian cracked many landmarks in his burgeoning young career, chief among them winning his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto.
Sinner equaled the previous best ranking of an Italian player on the Atp Tour (Adriano Panatta) by becoming World No. 4 for the first time at the start of October after defeating Daniil Medvedev to win the China Open in Beijing.
Overall, the 22-year-old won four Atp singles titles last season, the most he has managed in a single season and on par with his previous career-best year in 2021. Sinner was also an influential member of the Italian team that won its first Davis Cup title in 47 years last month in Malaga.
The pair are credited and recognized for their immense contribution to turning Sinner into an elite athlete. Last season, the Italian cracked many landmarks in his burgeoning young career, chief among them winning his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto.
Sinner equaled the previous best ranking of an Italian player on the Atp Tour (Adriano Panatta) by becoming World No. 4 for the first time at the start of October after defeating Daniil Medvedev to win the China Open in Beijing.
Overall, the 22-year-old won four Atp singles titles last season, the most he has managed in a single season and on par with his previous career-best year in 2021. Sinner was also an influential member of the Italian team that won its first Davis Cup title in 47 years last month in Malaga.
- 12/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep is still fighting her fight after being banned from competing on the Wta Tour, and she has recently received good news.
After being hit with a four-year suspension in September this year, the Romanian didn't wait around, as she knew what was her next step in an attempt to clear her name.
Halep said that she would appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and she filed an appeal already back in October, and now, she finally knows more about her case.
Recently, the news came out that the 32-year-old's case will be heard between February 7th and 9th, 2024, and Halep has now confirmed the news.
Sharing a video on her Instagram profile, the Romanian confirmed the news, adding that she's glad that she got a chance to prove her innocence and clear her name after she felt that her case wasn't judged correctly.
"The...
After being hit with a four-year suspension in September this year, the Romanian didn't wait around, as she knew what was her next step in an attempt to clear her name.
Halep said that she would appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and she filed an appeal already back in October, and now, she finally knows more about her case.
Recently, the news came out that the 32-year-old's case will be heard between February 7th and 9th, 2024, and Halep has now confirmed the news.
Sharing a video on her Instagram profile, the Romanian confirmed the news, adding that she's glad that she got a chance to prove her innocence and clear her name after she felt that her case wasn't judged correctly.
"The...
- 12/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep will put forward her defense to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in February 2024 following her four-year suspension from tennis.
In September 2023, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia) ruled that Halep would serve a four-year ban after she was found guilty of doping offenses. Recently, the Romanian player has appealed to the Cas for her sanction to be shortened.
Shortly after the announcement of Halep's ban, the Cas announced that it received the appeal from the banned player and her team. However, the Swiss-based organization shared on its official website on December 12 that the 32-year-old's case will be heard in court between February 7 and 9 next year.
The Cas proceedings into Halep's case have already begun, although there is no given period about how long a final verdict will take. However, whatever the organization's decision, it will be final and conclusive, with no other tribunals or court rulings in the future.
In September 2023, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia) ruled that Halep would serve a four-year ban after she was found guilty of doping offenses. Recently, the Romanian player has appealed to the Cas for her sanction to be shortened.
Shortly after the announcement of Halep's ban, the Cas announced that it received the appeal from the banned player and her team. However, the Swiss-based organization shared on its official website on December 12 that the 32-year-old's case will be heard in court between February 7 and 9 next year.
The Cas proceedings into Halep's case have already begun, although there is no given period about how long a final verdict will take. However, whatever the organization's decision, it will be final and conclusive, with no other tribunals or court rulings in the future.
- 12/12/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Despite missing the whole calendar year due to a doping ban, Simona Halep surprisingly ranked 13th in the latest Utr rankings.
The Utr (Universal Tennis Rating) is a global rating system that provides a real and accurate measurement of the skill level of all tennis players regardless of age, gender, or location of any match they play. It has a rating scale between 1.00 to 16.50.
A player with an index of 1.00 is usually a beginner, while a high-level pro normally has a double-digit rating. The Utr gives the greatest weighting to match results and considers the quality of opposition a player will face rather than the number of matches they play.
So, in hindsight, the higher the Utr, the greater the skill level. Utr differs from official rankings, which is why Simona Halep, currently unranked in the Wta rankings due to her inactivity ( banned for up to four years for doping...
The Utr (Universal Tennis Rating) is a global rating system that provides a real and accurate measurement of the skill level of all tennis players regardless of age, gender, or location of any match they play. It has a rating scale between 1.00 to 16.50.
A player with an index of 1.00 is usually a beginner, while a high-level pro normally has a double-digit rating. The Utr gives the greatest weighting to match results and considers the quality of opposition a player will face rather than the number of matches they play.
So, in hindsight, the higher the Utr, the greater the skill level. Utr differs from official rankings, which is why Simona Halep, currently unranked in the Wta rankings due to her inactivity ( banned for up to four years for doping...
- 12/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Iga Swiatek finished the year as world number one, which allowed her to get this newest milestone - 80 weeks as the number one player in the world.
Finishing the year as world number one is in ways a cheat code because you get to coast through that part of the calendar. There are no events, and there is no chance of losing your rank while you rack up the weeks as number one. That's what's happening right now to Swiatek as she begins her 80th week as world number one on the Wta Tour.
To put that into perspective, it's quite a bit. She solidified herself as the 10th longest-tenured number one in the history of women's tennis and is getting closer to Lindsay Davenport, number 9 on that list with 98 weeks. She's already ahead of the likes of Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, and many other great players.
Finishing the year as world number one is in ways a cheat code because you get to coast through that part of the calendar. There are no events, and there is no chance of losing your rank while you rack up the weeks as number one. That's what's happening right now to Swiatek as she begins her 80th week as world number one on the Wta Tour.
To put that into perspective, it's quite a bit. She solidified herself as the 10th longest-tenured number one in the history of women's tennis and is getting closer to Lindsay Davenport, number 9 on that list with 98 weeks. She's already ahead of the likes of Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, and many other great players.
- 12/4/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Respected tennis coach Rick Macci used to coach Serena Williams, so he's seen a fair share of excellent tennis players, but to him, Iga Swiatek on clay is something else.
We've known about Swiatek and clay ever since she, as a teenager, won the Covid Roland Garros that was played after the US Open. It was a stunning run with tremendous victories over players like Simona Halep en route to her maiden Grand Slam victory.
Fast forward a few years and Swiatek is up to three Roland Garros trophies, having won the event earlier this year, and she's even better now. The crucial part of her clay success is her consistency from the baseline as well as stellar movement.
Macci was a guest on the Match Point Canada tennis podcast, where he talked a bit about the Polish superstar.
Well, first off, Iga [Swiatek] has proven herself with four Slams, you know,...
We've known about Swiatek and clay ever since she, as a teenager, won the Covid Roland Garros that was played after the US Open. It was a stunning run with tremendous victories over players like Simona Halep en route to her maiden Grand Slam victory.
Fast forward a few years and Swiatek is up to three Roland Garros trophies, having won the event earlier this year, and she's even better now. The crucial part of her clay success is her consistency from the baseline as well as stellar movement.
Macci was a guest on the Match Point Canada tennis podcast, where he talked a bit about the Polish superstar.
Well, first off, Iga [Swiatek] has proven herself with four Slams, you know,...
- 11/22/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Amanda Anisimova is set to end her indefinite break and return to the tour in the 2024 season, according to reports.
The 22-year-old last played on the Wta tour in late April, where she lost in the first round of the Madrid Open to Arantxa Rus. It was the eighth defeat in 11 matches this season before she announced her decision to take a mental health break from tennis.
At the time, she admitted to struggling with "mental health and burnout" since the summer of 2022 and that being at tennis tournaments was "unbearable" to her body. Eventually, she arrived at the decision to stop playing for an undefined period.
It appears she has managed to sort her headspace and is ready to return to the tour in 2024, having signed up for the Hobart International, which kicks off in the second week of January, and the Australian Open. It will be a full...
The 22-year-old last played on the Wta tour in late April, where she lost in the first round of the Madrid Open to Arantxa Rus. It was the eighth defeat in 11 matches this season before she announced her decision to take a mental health break from tennis.
At the time, she admitted to struggling with "mental health and burnout" since the summer of 2022 and that being at tennis tournaments was "unbearable" to her body. Eventually, she arrived at the decision to stop playing for an undefined period.
It appears she has managed to sort her headspace and is ready to return to the tour in 2024, having signed up for the Hobart International, which kicks off in the second week of January, and the Australian Open. It will be a full...
- 11/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Patrick Mouratoglou's recent comments in which he admitted to being 'responsible' for Simona Halep's doping ban have left the Romanian star's fans irate and perturbed.
In a video shared on his official Instagram handle, Mouratoglou admitted that there was "no way" to know that the collagen he recommended to the former World No. 1 was contaminated with the banned substance called Roxadustat.
Halep was infamously hit with a four-year doping ban in September for two charges related to anti-doping violations by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia) and that will last until the fall of 2026. She'll be 35 when her suspension ends.
The Romanian star lodged an official appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in late October and has vowed to fight for the truth. Many fans feel that the ban is a potential career breaker for the two-time major champion.
However, the 53-year-old Mouratoglou, who served as...
In a video shared on his official Instagram handle, Mouratoglou admitted that there was "no way" to know that the collagen he recommended to the former World No. 1 was contaminated with the banned substance called Roxadustat.
Halep was infamously hit with a four-year doping ban in September for two charges related to anti-doping violations by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia) and that will last until the fall of 2026. She'll be 35 when her suspension ends.
The Romanian star lodged an official appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in late October and has vowed to fight for the truth. Many fans feel that the ban is a potential career breaker for the two-time major champion.
However, the 53-year-old Mouratoglou, who served as...
- 11/6/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Bianca Andreescu hasn't had much success in tennis since winning the US Open years ago, but she's confident about returning to her best.
Andreescu has had a very tough time since she won the US Open in 2019. Whether it was because of injuries or struggles with form, she took a break from tennis, the constant remained the same.
She's not getting the type of results she's used to. It didn't kill her motivation, though, as she's quite certain of success if she puts in the required work.
She doesn't mind training or practicing and fully believes that it will work out once more. Confidence has never been an issue for Andreescu, as she revealed during an event in Romania during the launch of her book.
Of course I'm thinking about performances like winning the US Open. I have a lot of confidence in myself and the quality of my tennis game,...
Andreescu has had a very tough time since she won the US Open in 2019. Whether it was because of injuries or struggles with form, she took a break from tennis, the constant remained the same.
She's not getting the type of results she's used to. It didn't kill her motivation, though, as she's quite certain of success if she puts in the required work.
She doesn't mind training or practicing and fully believes that it will work out once more. Confidence has never been an issue for Andreescu, as she revealed during an event in Romania during the launch of her book.
Of course I'm thinking about performances like winning the US Open. I have a lot of confidence in myself and the quality of my tennis game,...
- 11/6/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Renowned French coach Patrick Mouratoglou has bitten the bullet and taken the blame for Simona Halep 's doping offense.
In his first public interview about the incident that landed Romania's most prominent tennis player in hot water, Mouratoglou 'feels responsible' but remained confident of a successful appeal that Halep lodged at the Court of Arbitration of Sport last month.
Halep was infamously hit with a four-year doping ban from tennis when an independent tribunal concluded there was "illicit blood manipulation" for a positive test of the prohibited Roxadustat substance and for a second charge related to irregularities with her biological passport.
In a video he shared on his Instagram account, the Frenchman argued that the banned substance was contaminated with collagen he had recommended to Halep. However, it was impossible for him or his team to know it given the minute quantities involved.
"I feel confident for the future of...
In his first public interview about the incident that landed Romania's most prominent tennis player in hot water, Mouratoglou 'feels responsible' but remained confident of a successful appeal that Halep lodged at the Court of Arbitration of Sport last month.
Halep was infamously hit with a four-year doping ban from tennis when an independent tribunal concluded there was "illicit blood manipulation" for a positive test of the prohibited Roxadustat substance and for a second charge related to irregularities with her biological passport.
In a video he shared on his Instagram account, the Frenchman argued that the banned substance was contaminated with collagen he had recommended to Halep. However, it was impossible for him or his team to know it given the minute quantities involved.
"I feel confident for the future of...
- 11/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Martina Navratilova wants to see Jessica Pegula get out of her comfort zone in order to make the next step in tennis.
Pegula has been one of the best tennis players in the world for about two years now. The American has had a fair bit of success but has yet to really make a significant impact on the Wta Tour.
The talent is there, but according to former player Martina Navratilova, she needs to push herself out of her comfort zone. The American is indeed a sort of predictable player because there is very little variety coming from her.
There is plan A, and when it fails, then you don't really see a different plan. According to Navratilova, who previewed her chances ahead of the 2023 Wta Finals for the Wta , she plays it too safe.
Jessie still needs to get out of her comfort zone. When push comes to shove,...
Pegula has been one of the best tennis players in the world for about two years now. The American has had a fair bit of success but has yet to really make a significant impact on the Wta Tour.
The talent is there, but according to former player Martina Navratilova, she needs to push herself out of her comfort zone. The American is indeed a sort of predictable player because there is very little variety coming from her.
There is plan A, and when it fails, then you don't really see a different plan. According to Navratilova, who previewed her chances ahead of the 2023 Wta Finals for the Wta , she plays it too safe.
Jessie still needs to get out of her comfort zone. When push comes to shove,...
- 10/29/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Romanian billionaire Ion Tiriac is not expecting positive news from the outcome of Simona Halep 's appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Halep received a staggering four-year suspension for breach of Tennis' Anti-Doping Programme in mid-September after a long-running saga regarding her positive test of the prohibited Roxadustat substance and irregularities in her athlete's biological passport.
Halep, clearly shaken and upset , promised to prove her innocence. She has since lodged her appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in late September.
But according to Tiriac, who has served as President of the Romanian Tennis Federation, and one of Halep's staunchest supporters, is doubtful if she'll be successful.
The 84-year-old was critical of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (also known as Tas - Tribunal Arbitral du Sport) for "manipulating" samples and has given an account of such a mishap in which it broke the rules.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Halep received a staggering four-year suspension for breach of Tennis' Anti-Doping Programme in mid-September after a long-running saga regarding her positive test of the prohibited Roxadustat substance and irregularities in her athlete's biological passport.
Halep, clearly shaken and upset , promised to prove her innocence. She has since lodged her appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in late September.
But according to Tiriac, who has served as President of the Romanian Tennis Federation, and one of Halep's staunchest supporters, is doubtful if she'll be successful.
The 84-year-old was critical of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (also known as Tas - Tribunal Arbitral du Sport) for "manipulating" samples and has given an account of such a mishap in which it broke the rules.
- 10/28/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Novak Djokovic launched an inexplicit attack on the Atp , the governing body of men's tennis, for "ignoring" his breakaway player's association.
In 2019, Djokovic and Canadian player Vasek Pospisil helped to bring the idea of Ptpa (Professional Tennis Players Association) to life, before the organization was formally founded in 2021. When it started it almost had no fanfare.
The principal aim is to safeguard and support men's and women's tennis players, addressing core issues like prize money distribution, tournament scheduling, and advocating for a fair anti-doping program in light of Simona Halep's delayed court ruling on her doping case .
Djokovic and Pospisil learned that the Atp was not fully representing the interests of tennis players. The rollout of the Ptpa wasn't without its own significant obstacles and controversy, and the Serbian has in the past admitted he could have done things differently.
But almost three years since its formation, the Ptpa...
In 2019, Djokovic and Canadian player Vasek Pospisil helped to bring the idea of Ptpa (Professional Tennis Players Association) to life, before the organization was formally founded in 2021. When it started it almost had no fanfare.
The principal aim is to safeguard and support men's and women's tennis players, addressing core issues like prize money distribution, tournament scheduling, and advocating for a fair anti-doping program in light of Simona Halep's delayed court ruling on her doping case .
Djokovic and Pospisil learned that the Atp was not fully representing the interests of tennis players. The rollout of the Ptpa wasn't without its own significant obstacles and controversy, and the Serbian has in the past admitted he could have done things differently.
But almost three years since its formation, the Ptpa...
- 10/26/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep has officially submitted an appeal on her four-year ban, hoping to overturn the ban to return to tennis and compete on the Wta Tour.
Simona Halep has been out of tennis for over a year due to a provisional ban that came last year after the US Open. It was a horrific experience for Simona Halep, who maintained her innocence throughout the process.
Unfortunately, things didn't improve as Halep was hit with another violation, which was bad news. Bad news in the sense that when the official suspension came, it was a four-year suspension due to two separate violations of the anti-doping programme.
It didn't go down well with the tennis world, as many bashed the ruling as unfair. Halep once again reiterated her innocence , promising to fight the decision in the Court of Arbitration of Sports, which, as of October 24, 2023, she did.
The Romanian submitted an appeal to the Court,...
Simona Halep has been out of tennis for over a year due to a provisional ban that came last year after the US Open. It was a horrific experience for Simona Halep, who maintained her innocence throughout the process.
Unfortunately, things didn't improve as Halep was hit with another violation, which was bad news. Bad news in the sense that when the official suspension came, it was a four-year suspension due to two separate violations of the anti-doping programme.
It didn't go down well with the tennis world, as many bashed the ruling as unfair. Halep once again reiterated her innocence , promising to fight the decision in the Court of Arbitration of Sports, which, as of October 24, 2023, she did.
The Romanian submitted an appeal to the Court,...
- 10/25/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep might be banned from tennis, but the Romanian is still practicing, hoping for a positive conclusion to the nightmare that's been ongoing for over a year.
Simona Halep won the Canadian Open in 2022 and looked to be on cloud nine heading into the US Open. She fancied her chances at the event but lost pretty early in a major upset, but that was only the start of her nightmare.
In fact, she probably had no idea what was coming. A provisional ban was coming as her US Open sample was positive for a banned substance which started her battle to prove her innocence.
That provisional ban was enforced this year with a final 4-year ban due to two separate violations of the anti-doping programme. It came as a huge shock to Halep, who already described the whole process as a witchhunt.
She promised to fight this new ruling...
Simona Halep won the Canadian Open in 2022 and looked to be on cloud nine heading into the US Open. She fancied her chances at the event but lost pretty early in a major upset, but that was only the start of her nightmare.
In fact, she probably had no idea what was coming. A provisional ban was coming as her US Open sample was positive for a banned substance which started her battle to prove her innocence.
That provisional ban was enforced this year with a final 4-year ban due to two separate violations of the anti-doping programme. It came as a huge shock to Halep, who already described the whole process as a witchhunt.
She promised to fight this new ruling...
- 10/24/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Amanda Anisimova shared an update to tennis fans that she is set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring herself while training.
Last month, Anisimova teased her potential comeback to tennis when she shared a glimpse of her training routine in a video on Instagram where's been posting regular updates of her life since taking an indefinite break from the sport in early May.
In the video, Anisimova is seen practicing on a tennis court with a hitting partner, which certainly gives a positive impression of her future. When Anisimova announced her leave, she cited burnout and concerns about her mental health .
It looked like the American ace was working on her fitness and her game judging by frequent updates on social media in the past month. But she has succumbed to injury in the past week and shared the news on her Instagram stories.
"I got injured training...
Last month, Anisimova teased her potential comeback to tennis when she shared a glimpse of her training routine in a video on Instagram where's been posting regular updates of her life since taking an indefinite break from the sport in early May.
In the video, Anisimova is seen practicing on a tennis court with a hitting partner, which certainly gives a positive impression of her future. When Anisimova announced her leave, she cited burnout and concerns about her mental health .
It looked like the American ace was working on her fitness and her game judging by frequent updates on social media in the past month. But she has succumbed to injury in the past week and shared the news on her Instagram stories.
"I got injured training...
- 10/11/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Holger Rune was working with Patrick Mouratoglou for a while but, as of recently, returned to his old set-up without the French coach.
Rune and Mouratoglou had been familiar with each other before starting to work together because the Danish player used the facilities of his academy. That's not uncommon, as players like Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and even Novak Djokovic use them regularly for preparations.
Mouratoglou was initially tied to Simona Halep contractually, but since she was suspended from tennis, the Dane jumped it, and it worked out well initially . He won the Paris Masters under him and became a Top 10 player on the Atp Tour.
Eventually, though, the dynamic stopped working for Rune , who wanted to return to his coach to get back to his best level. As he explained in a recent interview, he's comfortable with his former coach, Lars Christensen, as he knows him best.
The...
Rune and Mouratoglou had been familiar with each other before starting to work together because the Danish player used the facilities of his academy. That's not uncommon, as players like Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and even Novak Djokovic use them regularly for preparations.
Mouratoglou was initially tied to Simona Halep contractually, but since she was suspended from tennis, the Dane jumped it, and it worked out well initially . He won the Paris Masters under him and became a Top 10 player on the Atp Tour.
Eventually, though, the dynamic stopped working for Rune , who wanted to return to his coach to get back to his best level. As he explained in a recent interview, he's comfortable with his former coach, Lars Christensen, as he knows him best.
The...
- 10/5/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep has sued a Canadian company that produced the supplement, she thinks was the cause of her doping, for financial compensation.
The past year of Halep's life mostly revolved around her trying to prove her innocence after producing a sample positive for banned substances . The Romanian initially discloses that her contamination came from a supplement, making fans believe she would be cleared of her charges.
The next months were rather quiet until she was hit with a second doping charge due to biological passport irregularities, which she called "harassment" . Things looked bleak then and ultimately were confirmed as such when the court recently ruled against Halep and suspended her for four years from competing on the Wta Tour.
She's set to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sports , but until she waits for that, Halep instructed her lawyer to sue the Canadian company that she blamed her contaminated sample on.
The past year of Halep's life mostly revolved around her trying to prove her innocence after producing a sample positive for banned substances . The Romanian initially discloses that her contamination came from a supplement, making fans believe she would be cleared of her charges.
The next months were rather quiet until she was hit with a second doping charge due to biological passport irregularities, which she called "harassment" . Things looked bleak then and ultimately were confirmed as such when the court recently ruled against Halep and suspended her for four years from competing on the Wta Tour.
She's set to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sports , but until she waits for that, Halep instructed her lawyer to sue the Canadian company that she blamed her contaminated sample on.
- 9/23/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Sorana Cirstea came to the defence of Simona Halep after Serena Williams took a dig at her in light of the suspension recently.
Serena Williams is not perfect and never has been, like any other person on the planet. She'll be the first to tell you that, and she simply couldn't help herself but to comment on the Halep situation recently.
To be fair, it's unclear whether her comment on X was really linked to that, but when you zoom out and look at the whole picture, it's hard to argue that it's not linked. Williams lost a Wimbledon final against Halep a few years ago and referenced that in a recent post on X not long after Halep was officially suspended from the sport .
She wasn't the only one who reacted negatively to the announcement because quite a few fans also turned their back on Halep. The suspension is...
Serena Williams is not perfect and never has been, like any other person on the planet. She'll be the first to tell you that, and she simply couldn't help herself but to comment on the Halep situation recently.
To be fair, it's unclear whether her comment on X was really linked to that, but when you zoom out and look at the whole picture, it's hard to argue that it's not linked. Williams lost a Wimbledon final against Halep a few years ago and referenced that in a recent post on X not long after Halep was officially suspended from the sport .
She wasn't the only one who reacted negatively to the announcement because quite a few fans also turned their back on Halep. The suspension is...
- 9/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Caroline Wozniacki slammed renowned tennis journalist Jon Wertheim on X after he posted fake quotes from her.
In the age of social media reporting, quite a few things circulate quickly, and sometimes, readers don't know whether the news is true or not. Quotes are particularly troublesome as it only takes one person starting a fake quote for it to spread virally around the internet.
Obviously, sources are important, but even those 'we trust' can sometimes fall victim to fake quotes. That's what happened to renowned tennis journalist Jon Wertheim, who has since deleted the quotes in question.
Those were supposed to be quoting former Wta 's no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, and the Dane should have addressed Simona Halep's doping case , but that never happened. Wozniacki was not happy about it, and she slammed him publicly.
It’s come to my attention that @jon_wertheim posted, and since deleted, quotes and...
In the age of social media reporting, quite a few things circulate quickly, and sometimes, readers don't know whether the news is true or not. Quotes are particularly troublesome as it only takes one person starting a fake quote for it to spread virally around the internet.
Obviously, sources are important, but even those 'we trust' can sometimes fall victim to fake quotes. That's what happened to renowned tennis journalist Jon Wertheim, who has since deleted the quotes in question.
Those were supposed to be quoting former Wta 's no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, and the Dane should have addressed Simona Halep's doping case , but that never happened. Wozniacki was not happy about it, and she slammed him publicly.
It’s come to my attention that @jon_wertheim posted, and since deleted, quotes and...
- 9/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The former coach of Simona Halep , Darren Cahill, has incredibly supported the Romanian during her doping case and is still by her side.
Simona Halep was recently heavily penalized by the Itia for breaches of the anti-doping programme. She had two separate breaches with the punishment pushing her out of the sport for a few years and effectively ending her career.
She's already lost a year to it due to procedural nonsense, but the ruling also affects her reputation. We already saw Serena Williams throw shade at Halep after the ruling came out, and plenty of fans have also turned on her.
One of her most dedicated fans provided an update on social media, and Cahill responded to him, showing his support for Halep once more. He has faith that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) will rule in her favour after the appeal .
Simona didn’t do any...
Simona Halep was recently heavily penalized by the Itia for breaches of the anti-doping programme. She had two separate breaches with the punishment pushing her out of the sport for a few years and effectively ending her career.
She's already lost a year to it due to procedural nonsense, but the ruling also affects her reputation. We already saw Serena Williams throw shade at Halep after the ruling came out, and plenty of fans have also turned on her.
One of her most dedicated fans provided an update on social media, and Cahill responded to him, showing his support for Halep once more. He has faith that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) will rule in her favour after the appeal .
Simona didn’t do any...
- 9/21/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Former Wta No. 1 Simona Halep once again denied any wrongdoing in her doping saga, despite a unanimous decision to ban her from competition for up to four years.
The Romanian star tested positive for Roxadustat - a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency code (Wada) and Tadp (Tennis Anti-Doping Programme) - at last year's US Open. She was provisionally suspended from tennis-related competitions imminently.
Following an intense, year-long battle waiting for a conclusive verdict, the independent tribunal ruled that the two-time major champion's Anti-Doping Rule Violation (Adrv) regarding Roxadustat was intentional as detailed in a 126-page report , and the Itia charged her with a second count for inconsistency with her biological passport.
Halep has categorically refuted the decision while speaking to Front Office Sports . She was convinced the tribunal would rule in her favor after she presented her arguments in June in London court. So when the verdict came out this past week,...
The Romanian star tested positive for Roxadustat - a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency code (Wada) and Tadp (Tennis Anti-Doping Programme) - at last year's US Open. She was provisionally suspended from tennis-related competitions imminently.
Following an intense, year-long battle waiting for a conclusive verdict, the independent tribunal ruled that the two-time major champion's Anti-Doping Rule Violation (Adrv) regarding Roxadustat was intentional as detailed in a 126-page report , and the Itia charged her with a second count for inconsistency with her biological passport.
Halep has categorically refuted the decision while speaking to Front Office Sports . She was convinced the tribunal would rule in her favor after she presented her arguments in June in London court. So when the verdict came out this past week,...
- 9/19/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Very few people stood by Simona Halep as publicly as Darren Cahill during her doping scandal and he still has only words of praise for the player.
Halep's career was one that developed over the years and saw her become one of the most popular tennis players on the Wta Tour. She's a Grand Slam champion, a former world number one, and certainly one whose career was worthy of the Tennis Hall Of Fame.
Nowadays, that claim looks ludicrous, as she was banned from competing due to a breach of anti-doping rules. That's a very simplified view of a very complex matter, but she's currently banned from the sport due to two separate violations of the anti-doping rules.
Her reputation took a huge hit, even before and after this ruling. She will challenge the ruling in the Court of Arbitration of Sport , so her suspension might be reversed; however, her...
Halep's career was one that developed over the years and saw her become one of the most popular tennis players on the Wta Tour. She's a Grand Slam champion, a former world number one, and certainly one whose career was worthy of the Tennis Hall Of Fame.
Nowadays, that claim looks ludicrous, as she was banned from competing due to a breach of anti-doping rules. That's a very simplified view of a very complex matter, but she's currently banned from the sport due to two separate violations of the anti-doping rules.
Her reputation took a huge hit, even before and after this ruling. She will challenge the ruling in the Court of Arbitration of Sport , so her suspension might be reversed; however, her...
- 9/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Patrick Mouratoglou is at the centre of another storm, this time from irate tennis fans who criticized him for taking all the plaudits for Coco Gauff 's stunning US Open triumph.
Gauff captured her first Grand Slam title a week ago at her home Slam, beating the newly-minted World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets. She became the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams, more than two decades ago.
Mouratoflou hopped over to X in the aftermath of that victory and penned a lengthy post of his immediate reaction , congratulating Gauff and delving into their very first encounter almost 10 years ago at his tennis academy. But it was the Frenchman's recent interview with CNN at the weekend that riled up tennis fans.
Firstly, CNN were put on the spot, linking Gauff's success to the renounced French coach, labeling the young phenom as Mouratoglour's 'newest star',...
Gauff captured her first Grand Slam title a week ago at her home Slam, beating the newly-minted World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three sets. She became the first American teenager to win the US Open since Serena Williams, more than two decades ago.
Mouratoflou hopped over to X in the aftermath of that victory and penned a lengthy post of his immediate reaction , congratulating Gauff and delving into their very first encounter almost 10 years ago at his tennis academy. But it was the Frenchman's recent interview with CNN at the weekend that riled up tennis fans.
Firstly, CNN were put on the spot, linking Gauff's success to the renounced French coach, labeling the young phenom as Mouratoglour's 'newest star',...
- 9/18/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
At 19, Coco Gauff is a multimillionaire, thanks to her outstanding talent and on-court success. But how does the teenage phenom spend her green buck?
Maybe it's worth getting to know Gauff's humble beginnings in tennis. Gauff turned pro in 2018 at a $25,000 Itf tournament in Osprey, Florida. It didn't take long before she announced herself on the most sacred stage in tennis.
At the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, Gauff, then 15, stormed the qualifying draw and upset seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the first round.
That tournament offered a glimpse of her precocious talent. She would reach the fourth round of Wimbledon that year, losing to eventual champion Simona Halep. It was far from her first full season on the Wta Tour, but she still bagged a maiden title at Linz later that season.
She has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years and a week ago, Gauff fulfilled her teenage promise...
Maybe it's worth getting to know Gauff's humble beginnings in tennis. Gauff turned pro in 2018 at a $25,000 Itf tournament in Osprey, Florida. It didn't take long before she announced herself on the most sacred stage in tennis.
At the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, Gauff, then 15, stormed the qualifying draw and upset seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams in the first round.
That tournament offered a glimpse of her precocious talent. She would reach the fourth round of Wimbledon that year, losing to eventual champion Simona Halep. It was far from her first full season on the Wta Tour, but she still bagged a maiden title at Linz later that season.
She has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years and a week ago, Gauff fulfilled her teenage promise...
- 9/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Tennis doping has once again entered professional and public discussion following a week of controversy surrounding Wta player Simona Halep .
After 12 months of provisional suspension, Halep was given a four-year ban from tennis for anti-doping charges. The Romanian tested positive for the banned substance, roxadustat at the 2022 US Open.
Halep's ban was enforced by the International International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia). This is an independent organisation that oversees all cases of tennis doping cases in an attempt to ensure equality and integrity within professional tennis.
Since Halep received her extensive ban, which could signal the end of her career, players, and pundits have been divided on the sanction. Some have argued that the 31-year-old's tennis doping breaches warrant severe punishment and others believe the ruling is unfair.
Yet, Halep's case is just the latest in a long line of tennis doping scandals that have gripped the sport in recent decades.
After 12 months of provisional suspension, Halep was given a four-year ban from tennis for anti-doping charges. The Romanian tested positive for the banned substance, roxadustat at the 2022 US Open.
Halep's ban was enforced by the International International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia). This is an independent organisation that oversees all cases of tennis doping cases in an attempt to ensure equality and integrity within professional tennis.
Since Halep received her extensive ban, which could signal the end of her career, players, and pundits have been divided on the sanction. Some have argued that the 31-year-old's tennis doping breaches warrant severe punishment and others believe the ruling is unfair.
Yet, Halep's case is just the latest in a long line of tennis doping scandals that have gripped the sport in recent decades.
- 9/16/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep has been banned for four years due to two separate doping violations, and Danielle Collins sees no problem with it.
We've seen opposing reactions to the news of Halep being banned from tennis for four years from competing on the Wta Tour. On one side, we've had people like her former coaches Patrick Mouratoglou and Darren Cahill, reacting negatively to it, standing by Halep and her claim of innocence.
On the other hand, we've had some players who seem to think otherwise. Serena Williams posted a cryptic post on X , following the news which many interpreted as her response to the news and it didn't read as a supportive one.
Danielle Collins is another player who voiced her opinion backing the Itia as a vital part of keeping the sports as clean as it's possible, as she revealed at the 2023 San Diego Open , where she currently competes.
You know,...
We've seen opposing reactions to the news of Halep being banned from tennis for four years from competing on the Wta Tour. On one side, we've had people like her former coaches Patrick Mouratoglou and Darren Cahill, reacting negatively to it, standing by Halep and her claim of innocence.
On the other hand, we've had some players who seem to think otherwise. Serena Williams posted a cryptic post on X , following the news which many interpreted as her response to the news and it didn't read as a supportive one.
Danielle Collins is another player who voiced her opinion backing the Itia as a vital part of keeping the sports as clean as it's possible, as she revealed at the 2023 San Diego Open , where she currently competes.
You know,...
- 9/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia) released a full report, precisely 126 pages, detailing the independent tribunal's decision to suspend Wta player Simona Halep for doping.
The charges brought by the Itia against Halep as captured in the document include a positive in-competition doping test for Roxadustat and a second count being irregularities in her biological passport after an analysis of 51 blood samples, with the panel in consensus that there was 'illicit blood manipulation'.
Roxadustat is a banned substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency code (Wada) and Tadp (Tennis Anti-Doping Programme). The supplement was found in a urine sample taken during the 2022 US Open after which Halep was provisionally suspended from the Tour.
At the time, Halep had already shut down her season after undergoing nasal surgery to cure breathing difficulties. On Tuesday this week, after months of waiting, a decision was made. Halep was found to have intentionally breached the...
The charges brought by the Itia against Halep as captured in the document include a positive in-competition doping test for Roxadustat and a second count being irregularities in her biological passport after an analysis of 51 blood samples, with the panel in consensus that there was 'illicit blood manipulation'.
Roxadustat is a banned substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency code (Wada) and Tadp (Tennis Anti-Doping Programme). The supplement was found in a urine sample taken during the 2022 US Open after which Halep was provisionally suspended from the Tour.
At the time, Halep had already shut down her season after undergoing nasal surgery to cure breathing difficulties. On Tuesday this week, after months of waiting, a decision was made. Halep was found to have intentionally breached the...
- 9/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep has no shortage of backers in the wake of her four-year doping ban, with Croatia's Marin Cilic sending a supportive message on X.
The injury-stricken Cilic took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to back the suspended Romanian star and appears to decry the Itia's decision. Halep was handed a hefty suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency lasting four years for violating anti-doping regulations .
The breaches in question include testing positive for the banned substance roxadustat and the inconsistencies with her biological passport which was linked to doping. Halep vows to plead her innocence again and will appeal the independent tribunal's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
"Stay strong Simona, their ruling counts for nothing!"
Cilic sends a message of support to Halep in the wake of her bam
Cilic has been through the same itinerary with the anti-doping authorities Back at the 2013 Wimbledon...
The injury-stricken Cilic took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to back the suspended Romanian star and appears to decry the Itia's decision. Halep was handed a hefty suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency lasting four years for violating anti-doping regulations .
The breaches in question include testing positive for the banned substance roxadustat and the inconsistencies with her biological passport which was linked to doping. Halep vows to plead her innocence again and will appeal the independent tribunal's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
"Stay strong Simona, their ruling counts for nothing!"
Cilic sends a message of support to Halep in the wake of her bam
Cilic has been through the same itinerary with the anti-doping authorities Back at the 2013 Wimbledon...
- 9/15/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Simona Halep says she is 'shocked' by the independent tribunal's verdict, but reiterates her innocence in her first public interview since her official four-year doping ban was confirmed.
A group of journalists piled up outside Halep's residence in Romania following the groundbreaking news of her four-year suspension from the Tour for testing positive od a banned substance - roxadustat. After months of waiting, it was the most disconcerting news the Romanian star could have thought of.
Halep is not going to rest on her laurels and promised to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport. Responding to the reporters , the 31-year-old maintained her stance - she had never taken any banned substances. Halep admits she was shocked to get the news of the ban, and vows to prove her innocence.
"Shocked, I can say, it’s very unfair what is happening, I have never taken any prohibited...
A group of journalists piled up outside Halep's residence in Romania following the groundbreaking news of her four-year suspension from the Tour for testing positive od a banned substance - roxadustat. After months of waiting, it was the most disconcerting news the Romanian star could have thought of.
Halep is not going to rest on her laurels and promised to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport. Responding to the reporters , the 31-year-old maintained her stance - she had never taken any banned substances. Halep admits she was shocked to get the news of the ban, and vows to prove her innocence.
"Shocked, I can say, it’s very unfair what is happening, I have never taken any prohibited...
- 9/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Suspended Wta star Simona Halep has received public backing from a high-profile figure involved in her doping case, who categorically opined Halep's innocence.
On Tuesday, months after Halep's torturous wait for the verdict of her doping case, she was officially suspended for four years by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia) for violating anti-doping regulations on two counts.
Halep revealed her immense shock upon receiving the news and vows that 'my fight continues' as she intends to appeal the independent tribunal's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and will pursue all legal remedies. The case is therefore subject to appeal.
Professor Jean-Claude Alvarez, a director of the toxicology laboratory at the Chu de Garches and judicial expert for the French Supreme Court, was involved in the case, once Halep reached out to him to analyze samples of her hair and slammed the Itia for withholding the right judgment.
On Tuesday, months after Halep's torturous wait for the verdict of her doping case, she was officially suspended for four years by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (Itia) for violating anti-doping regulations on two counts.
Halep revealed her immense shock upon receiving the news and vows that 'my fight continues' as she intends to appeal the independent tribunal's decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport and will pursue all legal remedies. The case is therefore subject to appeal.
Professor Jean-Claude Alvarez, a director of the toxicology laboratory at the Chu de Garches and judicial expert for the French Supreme Court, was involved in the case, once Halep reached out to him to analyze samples of her hair and slammed the Itia for withholding the right judgment.
- 9/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
When tennis serves up hot news, Nick Kyrgios will invariably be at the front of the queue looking to fill up his plate.
And the Australian maverick made himself heard in the wake of Simona Halep 's earth-shattering news she would be suspended from Tour for up to four years for doping. Kyrgios responded to Maria Sakkari's thoughts about the complexities of anti-doping procedures, insinuating Halep violated regulations.
Sakkari admitted that she is always conscious of the supplements she ingests, but questioned the integrity of the Itf's systems when it comes to doping tests. The Greek went further and explained the complex interface of the whereabouts app that tennis players use to communicate with anti-doping officials to schedule doping tests.
Sakkari highlighted the flaws of the mobile app and called for tennis authorities to make significant improvements for a more effective user experience. Tennis players who miss three...
And the Australian maverick made himself heard in the wake of Simona Halep 's earth-shattering news she would be suspended from Tour for up to four years for doping. Kyrgios responded to Maria Sakkari's thoughts about the complexities of anti-doping procedures, insinuating Halep violated regulations.
Sakkari admitted that she is always conscious of the supplements she ingests, but questioned the integrity of the Itf's systems when it comes to doping tests. The Greek went further and explained the complex interface of the whereabouts app that tennis players use to communicate with anti-doping officials to schedule doping tests.
Sakkari highlighted the flaws of the mobile app and called for tennis authorities to make significant improvements for a more effective user experience. Tennis players who miss three...
- 9/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari called tennis authorities' handling of doping tests as 'scary' in light of Simona Halep 's staggering four-year suspension.
Halep was provisionally suspended late last year when she failed a drug test. She was hit with a second and separate doping charge earlier this year. But despite pleading her innocence in a London court in June , Halep was deemed to have breached anti-doping regulations after an independent tribunal reached its verdict this week and will serve a four-year suspension from the Wta Tour.
The news has completely rocked the tennis world, given the Romanian's eminent persona. While judgment was a welcome relief after months of waiting, it was definitely not the news Halep and her closest people wanted to hear.
There has been divisive opinion on this matter, with a section of fans siding with Halep , and others were quick to bring up the blame game...
Halep was provisionally suspended late last year when she failed a drug test. She was hit with a second and separate doping charge earlier this year. But despite pleading her innocence in a London court in June , Halep was deemed to have breached anti-doping regulations after an independent tribunal reached its verdict this week and will serve a four-year suspension from the Wta Tour.
The news has completely rocked the tennis world, given the Romanian's eminent persona. While judgment was a welcome relief after months of waiting, it was definitely not the news Halep and her closest people wanted to hear.
There has been divisive opinion on this matter, with a section of fans siding with Halep , and others were quick to bring up the blame game...
- 9/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Canada's Eugenie Bouchard stirred up controversy by posting a cryptic but sly tweet on X that is seemingly directed at Romanian star Simona Halep .
On Tuesday, the tennis world was treated to the bombshell news that Halep, a former No. 1, was judged to have intentionally committed breaches of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme and will serve an eyebrow-raising four-year suspension .
Bouchard is synonymous with her strong disapproval of players judged to have breached any anti-doping regulations. Earlier this year, she posted an unprovoked tweet aimed at Dayana Yastremska after defeating the Ukranian at the Wta 1000 event in Madrid (before she deleted it after receiving mixed reactions).
The tweet read: "There's something about playing dopers in Madrid," revisiting Yastremska's past for violating anti-doping regulations. The tweet also took aim at Maria Sharapova , whom Bouchard defeated at the same event back in 2017, shortly after the Russian returned from a 15-month suspension for testing positive for meldonium.
On Tuesday, the tennis world was treated to the bombshell news that Halep, a former No. 1, was judged to have intentionally committed breaches of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme and will serve an eyebrow-raising four-year suspension .
Bouchard is synonymous with her strong disapproval of players judged to have breached any anti-doping regulations. Earlier this year, she posted an unprovoked tweet aimed at Dayana Yastremska after defeating the Ukranian at the Wta 1000 event in Madrid (before she deleted it after receiving mixed reactions).
The tweet read: "There's something about playing dopers in Madrid," revisiting Yastremska's past for violating anti-doping regulations. The tweet also took aim at Maria Sharapova , whom Bouchard defeated at the same event back in 2017, shortly after the Russian returned from a 15-month suspension for testing positive for meldonium.
- 9/14/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Former player Rennae Stubbs shared her thoughts on the situation of Simona Halep , backing her statement against the Itia.
Simona Halep saw her situation go from terrible to worse because she was suspended from the sport for four years . Halep has been out of tennis for over a year now after a provisional suspension due to a banned substance showing up in her test sample.
Since then, Halep has been on a journey to prove her innocence, but things didn't look promising when another doping violation came earlier this year. The hammer came down yesterday when the Itia announced a 4-year suspension due to a breach of two separate doping violations.
Halep released a statement promising to fight after the shocking ruling, meaning she'll take it to Cas. They can suspend the decision, and that's the only hope Halep has, but even if they do, the Itia will likely appeal the decision.
Simona Halep saw her situation go from terrible to worse because she was suspended from the sport for four years . Halep has been out of tennis for over a year now after a provisional suspension due to a banned substance showing up in her test sample.
Since then, Halep has been on a journey to prove her innocence, but things didn't look promising when another doping violation came earlier this year. The hammer came down yesterday when the Itia announced a 4-year suspension due to a breach of two separate doping violations.
Halep released a statement promising to fight after the shocking ruling, meaning she'll take it to Cas. They can suspend the decision, and that's the only hope Halep has, but even if they do, the Itia will likely appeal the decision.
- 9/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The Professional Tennis Players Association (Ptpa) continued to support Simona Halep as they released another strong statement in full defence of her following her four-year suspension.
The Ptpa was essentially created to protect and support the rights of players in both men's and women's professional tennis . The organisation continued to be quite outspoken about the elongated process of Halep's doping case.
Earlier this month, the Ptpa claimed that the Wta's handling of Halep's situation was a 'disgrace' and they felt like the governing body of women's tennis needed to be doing a lot more in order to aid Halep's distressful circumstances.
Ahmad Nassar, the executive director of Ptpa, called out the Wta via social media merely days ago.
"Agree that it's a disgrace. Patently unfair to Simona Halep, her family, team, and fans. However, I am not surprised that the tour hasn't spoken out on this. The tours long...
The Ptpa was essentially created to protect and support the rights of players in both men's and women's professional tennis . The organisation continued to be quite outspoken about the elongated process of Halep's doping case.
Earlier this month, the Ptpa claimed that the Wta's handling of Halep's situation was a 'disgrace' and they felt like the governing body of women's tennis needed to be doing a lot more in order to aid Halep's distressful circumstances.
Ahmad Nassar, the executive director of Ptpa, called out the Wta via social media merely days ago.
"Agree that it's a disgrace. Patently unfair to Simona Halep, her family, team, and fans. However, I am not surprised that the tour hasn't spoken out on this. The tours long...
- 9/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
Patrick Mouratoglou , the former coach of Simona Halep , talks of his utter disbelief at finding out she has received a four-year doping ban.
Mouratoglou had been the long-serving and decorated coach of Serena Williams for around ten years, before making the decision to finally link up with Halep full-time but on a short term basis at that point .
Their stint together was short-lived. The pair worked together starting on the clay courts of Madrid in April of 2022. Then Mouratoglou made that call to start coaching Holger Rune while Halep was inactive from the Wta Tour.
During their collaboration, Halep managed to achieve three semi-finals on the grass at Birmingham, Bad Homburg and Wimbledon respectively, and they even won a title together in Toronto. That would prove to be her penultimate event before the positive test at the US Open just a couple of weeks later.
Mouratoglou seemed to have struck...
Mouratoglou had been the long-serving and decorated coach of Serena Williams for around ten years, before making the decision to finally link up with Halep full-time but on a short term basis at that point .
Their stint together was short-lived. The pair worked together starting on the clay courts of Madrid in April of 2022. Then Mouratoglou made that call to start coaching Holger Rune while Halep was inactive from the Wta Tour.
During their collaboration, Halep managed to achieve three semi-finals on the grass at Birmingham, Bad Homburg and Wimbledon respectively, and they even won a title together in Toronto. That would prove to be her penultimate event before the positive test at the US Open just a couple of weeks later.
Mouratoglou seemed to have struck...
- 9/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
The World Tennis Association ( Wta ) released their own statement in response to former World No.1 Simona Halep receiving a four year ban for previous doping violations.
The Wta are the governing body for women's professional tennis and they delivered their own response in saying that they will "support the decisions made through the process" and "will continue to follow this closely."
The final ruling in one of the more elongated and high-profile doping cases was that Halep had intentionally and knowingly took a prohibited substance, and that she'd committed multiple anti-doping violations. If this ruling stays in place then Halep will not be able to return to tennis competitively until October 2026 .
However, if Halep succeeds in her determination to appeal the accusations that have been levelled at her, then she may have a slender bit of hope that the lengthy ban can be altered somewhat. But the future does look...
The Wta are the governing body for women's professional tennis and they delivered their own response in saying that they will "support the decisions made through the process" and "will continue to follow this closely."
The final ruling in one of the more elongated and high-profile doping cases was that Halep had intentionally and knowingly took a prohibited substance, and that she'd committed multiple anti-doping violations. If this ruling stays in place then Halep will not be able to return to tennis competitively until October 2026 .
However, if Halep succeeds in her determination to appeal the accusations that have been levelled at her, then she may have a slender bit of hope that the lengthy ban can be altered somewhat. But the future does look...
- 9/13/2023
- Tennis-Infinity
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