Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has been “automatically withdrawn” from the US Open 2023 draw because of her ongoing doping suspension. The USTA (United States Tennis Association) announced that the former No. 1 Halep had been withdrawn from the tournament when the tournament’s qualifying draw was held.
Halep’s spot in the US Open 2023 main draw for the women’s singles tournament in Flushing Meadows went to Taylor Townsend.
During a provisional suspension, a player is ineligible to compete in or attend any sanctioned events.
Halep tested positive at last year’s US Open for the banned substance Roxadustat, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency.
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That is a drug approved for medical use in the European Union to treat the symptoms of anemia caused by chronic kidney failure. According to the EU’s medicines agency, it stimulates the body to produce more of the natural hormone erythropoietin, or EPO, which has long been a doping product favored by cyclists and distance runners.
Halep was accused of a second doping offence in May for irregularities in her Athlete Biological Passport.
She was seeded No. 7 in New York in 2022 and lost in the first round to Daria Snigur of Ukraine.
Halep is a 31-year-old from Romania who first reached No. 1 in the WTA rankings in 2017. She won the French Open in 2018 by beating Sloane Stephens in the final, and Wimbledon in 2019 by defeating Serena Williams in the title match.
US Open 2023 main draw play begins on August 28, while the qualifying rounds are currently underway.
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