The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed that Romanian tennis player Simona Halep has been charged with separate violations of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP) regarding irregularities in the Athlete’s Biological Passport (ABP). Ms. Aleppo has been temporarily suspended since October 2022 after she tested positive for the banned substance Roxadustat at the US Open in August last year.
Developed by the World Anti-Doping Agency and included in TADP under the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), the ABP program is a method by which anti-doping organizations monitor various blood parameters over time to determine potential Anti-Doping. Rule Violations (ADRVs).
The surcharge for Adverse Passport Finding was based on an assessment of Ms. Halep’s ABP profile by an independent ABP Panel of Experts. This fee is separate and in addition to the current Roxadustat fee in August 2022, which initially triggered the temporary suspension of Ms.
Nicole Sapstead, ITIA Senior Director of Anti-Doping said:We understand that today’s announcement adds complexity to an already high-profile situation. From the beginning of this process – and indeed everyone else at ITIA – we have been committed to engaging with Ms. Aleppo in an empathetic, productive and timely manner.
“Of course, we appreciate that there is a great deal of media attention in these cases. It would not be appropriate for us to comment on details until the end of the process, but we will continue to meet with the representatives of the Independent Court of Sports Decisions and Ms. Aleppo as soon as possible.”
ITIA is the authorized third party under the World Anti-Doping Code of the International Tennis Federation, the international governing body of the sport of tennis and a signatory to the Code. ITIA is responsible for the management and administration of anti-doping throughout professional tennis in accordance with the TADP.
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notes for editors
In accordance with the WADC, ITIA operates the International Registered Testing Pool (IRTP), which regularly tests less than 300 tennis players for ABP as part of its in-competition and out-of-competition testing programme. Generally speaking, top 100 ranked single players from both ATP and WTA are the pillars of IRTP. One of the highest ranked players in the world, Ms. Halep has been included in the IRTP.
You can read the statement regarding the first accusation of Ms. Aleppo, which led to her temporary suspension, here:
ITIA – Simona Aleppo Temporary Suspension
You can find more information about the Athlete Biological Passport here:
Athlete Biological Passport | World Anti-Doping Agency (wada-ama.org)
Friday, 19 May 2023