Simona Halep provisionally suspended after testing positive for banned substance, says WTA coach
Simona Halep provisionally suspended after testing positive for banned substance, says WTA coach
Simona Halep provisionally suspended after testing positive for banned substance, says WTA coach
Simona Halep, who was suspended after testing positive for a substance banned in the WTA-preseason drug testing procedure, said she had to fight for her job in the aftermath of a storm of criticism.
“I’ve got no choice. I have to fight for my career. I don’t know what I can do. It’s hard for me to say no, but you have to protect your son,” said the 16th seed, who will play on March 4 against Garbiñe Muguruza in the Mutua Madrid Open.
The WTA announced Friday afternoon that Halep tested positive for the banned substance, hydrochlorothiazide, and would be provisionally suspended.
But Halep said she was in “no position” to play her game as she was also taking care of her family.
“I don’t know if I can play here because I’m trying to take care of my wife and kid, and I’m trying to fight for my career,” she said.
“And there are so many things that I can’t control. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know what I can do. I’ll fight for a better life for myself and for my son and for my family.”
Halep, who is ranked 45th in the world and won two titles, including the U.S. Open this summer, said her family wanted her to be healthy so she could continue to play.
“They’ve asked me so many times that I have to play healthy and I’m trying, but I’m struggling a lot to control my emotions,” she said.
“And I am not very good when I have bad moods. When I am happy, I become a better player. And when