Halep was initially suspended in October 2022 after testing positive for roxadustat, a banned anti-anemia drug that enhances red blood cell production. While she received a four-year ban, this was reduced to nine months in March after an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Halep has consistently argued that her positive test was due to a contaminated supplement.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep has voiced concerns over what she perceives as inconsistencies in how tennis doping cases are managed. Her comments follow the one-month suspension of world number two Iga Swiatek