Simona Halep returns from doping ban in 1st-round loss at Miami

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA — Simona Halep had simply misplaced to Paula Badosa 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 within the first spherical of the Miami Open on Tuesday, however she could not assist however smile and flash a thumbs as much as the gang as she walked off the court docket.

For Halep, the day was “particular” whatever the consequence, because it marked the welcome conclusion of an 18-month absence from competitors because of a doping ban.

The previous world No. 1 and two-time main champion examined optimistic for roxadustat, a banned blood-booster substance, on the 2022 US Open and had not performed since. Initially given a four-year suspension — which the 32-year-old mentioned Tuesday would have successfully ended her profession — it was decreased earlier this month to 9 months after the Court docket of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted her declare that she was not fully at fault.

Because the ban was utilized retroactively, Halep was instantly cleared to play, and the Miami Open granted her a wild-card entry quickly after.

Halep appeared robust within the opening set towards Badosa, however her stage dropped within the second and third units, maybe because of rust and lengthy stretch away from match play. She wanted remedy on her proper shoulder throughout a medical timeout late within the second set and had 10 double faults within the match.

However Halep nonetheless appeared blissful to be again as she walked into her postmatch information convention. She advised reporters, “I missed this” as she sat down in her chair. She went on to say she felt a combination of nerves, pleasure and different feelings, however she expressed her gratitude to the match and the followers for giving her such a heat welcome.

There have been a number of Romanian flags within the crowd at Grandstand Stadium, and “Si-mon-a” chants have been heard all through the match.

“I’d price it as a big day, actually, contemplating the interval I had,” Halep mentioned. “Taking part in so properly, feeling so properly on court docket, feeling so properly exterior of the court docket with so many individuals which might be very good to me and giving me the love, I’d say that this present day goes to remain very particular for me.

“After all, I had many outcomes previously, huge outcomes. However right here, it is one thing greater than tennis; it is one thing private. I actually like to see that persons are appreciating me beside tennis and beside all the things that occurred.”

The nice and cozy reception wasn’t simply restricted to followers. Even Badosa mentioned she was happy to see Halep.

“It is very good to have Simona again,” Badosa mentioned throughout her on-court interview. “Actually, for me immediately, it was very psychological as a result of she was one of many gamers I all the time appeared as much as, and I can say she was one in all my idols, so enjoying towards her was actually powerful. And that is why in the beginning I began a bit bit nervous.

“However she actually conjures up me and it is so good to have her again.”

The Spanish participant understood why the gang was cheering for Halep.

“I’d cheer for her additionally,” Badosa mentioned.

Caroline Wozniacki, who defeated Halep within the 2018 Australian Open last, supplied a special tune. Wozniacki advised reporters after her 6-1, 6-4 win over Clara Burel on Tuesday that regardless of having a “good relationship” with Halep, she did not assume she ought to have obtained a wild card to play within the match.

“This isn’t instantly at Simona, but when somebody purposely cheats, if somebody has examined optimistic for doping — I perceive why a match needs a giant star within the match — and it isn’t a knock on anybody, but it surely’s my private perception that I do not assume folks must be awarded wild playing cards afterwards.”

Caroline Wozniacki

“I have been very outspoken previously how I really feel about doping and all of that,” Wozniacki mentioned. “I believe my view on doping is similar. I’ve all the time wished a clear sport, honest for everyone.

“This isn’t instantly at Simona, but when somebody purposely cheats, if somebody has examined optimistic for doping — I perceive why a match needs a giant star within the match — and it isn’t a knock on anybody, but it surely’s my private perception that I do not assume folks must be awarded wild playing cards afterwards. If you wish to come again, and it has been a mistake, I perceive; you must work your approach up from the underside.”

Throughout an look on the “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast, match director James Blake mentioned it was his choice to grant Halep a wild card. He defined that one ladies’s wild card was saved in case Halep was cleared to play.

Blake mentioned he reached out to Halep’s former coach Darren Cahill to verify she had been coaching and could be able to compete earlier than extending the invitation.

“All of us got here to the identical conclusion to welcome her again,” Blake mentioned.

When advised about Wozniacki’s feedback later within the day, Halep was steadfast in her innocence.

“I did not do something flawed,” Halep mentioned. “I did not cheat. I did not dope. So, it is higher if we learn the choice from CAS that it was a contaminated complement. It wasn’t doping. I by no means had one thing to do with doping. I by no means doped, so I am not a cheater.

“Thanks to the match for giving me the wild card. … It was nice to be again. Just one individual being damaging about me just isn’t that essential as a result of I’ve lots of of individuals giving me love, so I’ll take that.”

Different first-round ladies’s outcomes included a 6-3, 6-3 loss by seven-time Grand Slam title winner Venus Williams, 43, towards Diana Shnaider, 19.