Simona Halep rips ITIA latest doping case move, says her mental health is suffering



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Simona Halep rips ITIA latest doping case move, says her mental health is suffering
Simona Halep rips ITIA latest doping case move, says her mental health is suffering (Provided by Tennis World USA)

Simona Halep appears to be absolutely devastated after the International Tennis Integrity Agency managed to postpone her hearing for the third time. Halep, who had a hearing scheduled in front of an independent judge for the end of May, has had her doping case hearing postponed for the third time.

In a statement posted on Wednesday night, Halep said she is feeling disrespected by how the ITIA have been conducting their investigation. Also, Halep suggested the whole case is taking a toll on her mental health.

Halep slams the ITIA in her latest statement

"Once again, tonight, I am devastated.

The ITF (ITIA) has once again, for the third time postponed my hearing one month later! I am waiting to be judged since last October. In December, I have finally been able, thanks to experts, to show that the lot of the supplement I was using had been contaminated, which caused the positive control.

I have asked, as the rules of the anti-doping state it, for a quick hearing: this is my right, it is written in the rules! Unfortunately, the ITF (ITIA) has postponed my hearing three times. Denying me the right to be judged by an Independant Tribunal.

- Not allowing me to participate into any tournament for 8 months. Now I know that I will have missed the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Not to mention that I will have lost all my points and my ranking. Not only they are killing my reputation, but also me as a professional player, and I don't even talk about the consequences on my mental health.

This disrespect of the rules by the ITF (ITIA) regarding the fast hearing I am entitled to have, is so disrespectful to me that I have no more words," Halep said in a statement.

Last week, the ITIA announced a second anti-doping charge for Halep over "irregularities" in her biological passport. The latest developments have made it even harder for Halep to clear her name.

Simona Halep