Halep gives up on Madrid entry

Simona Halep’s comeback after her drug ban drama took a hit on Saturday, with the former No. 1 pulling out of next week’s Madrid Masters.

The two-time Grand Slam winner whose mistaken ban after testing positive for an illegal substance was ended last month by the Court for the Arbitration of Sport has only played one match since getting the all clear to return.

Halep, 32, played her first match in Miami in March, here first since the 2022 US Open where she tested positive but protested her eventual innocence.

The player’s withdrawal from Madrid was announced by the Romanian federation on social media.

“Simona Halep has withdrawn from Madrid due to continued health reasons,” the post read.

“She says she still has not fully recovered enough to play a high level tournament such as Madrid. Keep working and get well, we hope to see you soon Simona.”

Main photo:- Simona Halep played Madrid Masters in 2021

Bill Scott

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