Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion and former top-ranked WTA player, was given a second charge for doping, as reported by ESPN. This second infraction, as announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), is “separate and in addition to” a provisional suspension she was given last summer after failing a drug test during the U.S. Open.
Weeks after her first-round loss in the New York-hosted Grand Slam, the ITIA revealed a positive test for roxadustat. Used to treat anemia, roxadustat increases red blood cell production and has been notable as a performance enhancing drug in pro cycling. The second charge, according to the ITIA, comes from an additional review of Halep’s biological passport profile.
Halep posted her reaction to the new charge on Twitter, stating that she has twice tried to have her case reviewed by an independent panel only for the ITIA to postpone both attempts.