© Getty Pictures Sport – Megan Briggs
Simona Halep seemed to be shocked by Caroline Wozniacki’s feedback about her Miami return however shut it down by saying that “one particular person being adverse” would not change the truth that many others have been thrilled to see her again.
On Tuesday, 32-year-old Halep formally performed her first match because the 2022 US Open and having her doping ban diminished from 4 years to 9 months
At a WTA 1000 match in Miami – for which Halep acquired a important draw wildcard – the previous world No. 1 did effectively in her first match in a yr and a half however Paula Badosa nonetheless gained 1-6 6-4 6-3.
After the CAS introduced the Halep enchantment case choice on March fifth, Miami gave the Romanian a important draw wildcard two days later. On the time, many have been very constructive about Miami’s choice and looking out ahead to Halep’s return.
However when former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki was requested about Halep’s return in Miami, she just about mentioned that gamers getting back from a doping ban should not be helped with wildcards.
When instructed about Wozniacki’s feedback, Halep’s first response was to ask: “Why did she say that?”
Then, Halep proceeded to focus on that the CAS decided {that a} banned substance entered her physique by a contaminated substance.
“Yeah, however why? I did not do something incorrect. I did not cheat. I did not dope. So it is higher if we learn the choice from CAS that it was a contaminated complement, it wasn’t doping. I by no means had one thing to do with doping. I by no means doped, so I am not a cheater,” Halep responded.
“Thanks to the match for giving me the wild card and have the chance to play in such an enormous match. It was nice to be again.
“Just one particular person being adverse about me shouldn’t be that necessary as a result of I’ve tons of of those that giving me love, so I’ll take that.”
Halep reveals her true emotions on her comeback
For a yr and a half, Halep was battling to clear her identify and show that she was harmless. Throughout that interval, Halep typically described her state as very traumatic and did not cover that the complete state of affairs was negatively impacting her psychological well being.
For Halep, Tuesday and taking part in in Miami marked a really special occasion as a result of the two-time Grand Slam champion felt huge satisfaction simply to be on the market taking part in once more after the whole lot that she had been by.
“I might charge it as a special occasion, actually, contemplating the interval I had. Enjoying so effectively, feeling so effectively on courtroom, feeling so effectively exterior of the courtroom with so many individuals which are very good to me and giving me the love, I might say that this present day goes to remain very particular for me,” Halep mentioned.
“In fact, I had many outcomes prior to now, massive outcomes. However right here it is one thing greater than tennis, it is one thing private. I actually like to see that individuals are appreciating me moreover tennis and moreover the whole lot that occurred.”
Halep has not but set her objectives
This month, the whole lot has been fairly fast for Halep, who in two days went from listening to that she was allowed to tennis to getting ready for her subsequent match.
In opposition to Badosa, Halep seemed bodily extraordinarily effectively early on and her sport was additionally sharp. Whereas Halep did not handle to beat Badosa, it was nonetheless a really encouraging efficiency and confirmed that the previous world No. 1 actually nonetheless has what it takes to compete on the highest stage.
Nevertheless, Halep has but to find out clear objectives in her return as this month was nearly getting ready for Miami and ensuring her comeback went effectively. Earlier than the doping suspension, Halep had been among the finest gamers on the Tour for a few years.
“Right here I got here simply because (of) the enhance, the love for tennis, simply introduced me right here. It was quick as a result of it was just some days after the choice, however I am actually completely satisfied that I did it. I got here right here and I felt once more the love for sport,” Halep mentioned.
“Saying about objectives and plans sooner or later, it is too early. I am going residence. I might want to apply more durable as a result of the extent may be very excessive as of late, after which I’ll see.”
In the meantime, the subsequent on Halep’s schedule is representing Romania within the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers towards Slovakia between April 12-13 in Bratislava.
At present, Halep shouldn’t be signed up for any of the clay tournaments scheduled for April. Nevertheless, that may probably change within the upcoming days because the Romanian can get a wildcard for just about any match she desires to play.