Oct 21, 2022 – Former Tennis #1 Simona Halep Suspended for Doping

Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion currently ranked #9, was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency on Oct. 21, 2022 following a positive test for roxadustat during the US Open. She faces up to a four-year ban from tennis.

Roxadustat was approved in the European Union to treat anemia resulting from chronic kidney failure. The drug causes the body to produce more erythropoietin (EPO), a natural hormone that is frequently used for doping.